A New York jury has awarded $1.68 billion in damages to 40 women who accused filmmaker James Toback of sexual abuse over the course of 35 years. This historic judgment, revealed by the plaintiffs’ attorneys, is among the largest since the #MeToo movement emerged and stands as one of the most significant jury awards in New York’s history.
The case stemmed from a 2022 lawsuit filed in Manhattan, which was made possible by a state law allowing survivors to file civil suits for sexual assault, regardless of when the incidents occurred. Attorney Brad Beckworth of Nix Patterson LLP highlighted the substantial verdict as a message to those in power who fail to treat women with respect. He emphasized that the plaintiffs hope this ruling will deter future misconduct.
The detailed verdict documentation had not yet been made public as of the latest updates. However, Beckworth confirmed that the award includes $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages.
“This verdict is about justice,” Beckworth stated, calling attention to the need for accountability and empowerment for survivors of abuse. He elaborated that the jury’s decision aims to reclaim power from those who exploit and silence victims.
The allegations against Toback span from 1979 to 2014, encompassing a long history of reported misconduct. Throughout his more than 40 years in the film industry, Toback became known for directing films such as “The Pick-Up Artist” and writing the screenplays for “The Gambler” and “Bugsy,” the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination.
The accusations against him first gained widespread attention in late 2017, coinciding with the rise of the #MeToo movement. Initial criminal investigations by Los Angeles prosecutors were halted in 2018 when the statute of limitations for several cases had expired.
Following the passage of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, the plaintiffs filed their civil lawsuit. Their legal representatives uncovered a troubling pattern where Toback allegedly lured women on New York streets, promising them acting roles, only to subject them to sexual exploitation and psychological coercion.
Mary Monahan, a prominent plaintiff in the case, described the jury’s decision as a validation of her experiences. In a statement, she expressed profound relief, emphasizing that the jury’s belief in their accounts signifies a transformative moment. “We are not disposable. We are not liars,” she asserted, underscoring the significance of the ruling.
Toback, now 80, has repeatedly denied the allegations, claiming that any interactions were consensual. He has also argued against the constitutionality of New York’s extended statute of limitations for sexual abuse.
In January, a default judgment was issued against Toback after he failed to appear in court. The judge then proceeded to schedule a damages trial for last month to determine the amount to be awarded.
This ruling highlights the broader implications for the film industry and survivors of sexual abuse, signaling a continuing shift toward accountability and justice in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
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