New York—A jury awarded $1.68 billion in damages to 40 women who accused filmmaker James Toback of sexual abuse over 35 years. This decision, announced Wednesday, comes after the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in Manhattan in 2022 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for such claims.
The award is now one of the largest of its kind following the #MeToo movement, marking a significant moment in both legal and cultural landscapes. Attorney Brad Beckworth from Nix Patterson LLP, representing the plaintiffs, stated that the substantial verdict is intended to convey a strong message to those in power who fail to respect women.
While the court had not released official documentation of the verdict by Wednesday evening, Beckworth indicated that the jury awarded $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages. He highlighted the verdict’s importance, stating, “This verdict is about justice,” and emphasized that it aims to reclaim power for survivors.
The allegations against Toback date back to incidents occurring from 1979 to 2014. He received an Oscar nomination for writing the film “Bugsy” in 1991 and has had a long career in the film industry. The accusations against him first made headlines in late 2017, coinciding with the rise of the #MeToo movement, with initial reports detailing his alleged misconduct published by the Los Angeles Times.
In 2018, Los Angeles prosecutors reviewed five cases against Toback but did not file charges due to expired statutes of limitations. Following the passage of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, the plaintiffs moved forward with their lawsuit, presenting evidence that Toback allegedly lured young women under false pretenses, promising roles in films before subjecting them to manipulation and abuse.
Lead plaintiff Mary Monahan described the jury’s decision as a form of validation for her and the other women involved. “For decades, I carried this trauma in silence, and today, a jury believed me,” she said. “This verdict is a declaration. We are not disposable. We are not liars. The world knows now what he did was real.”
At 80 years old, Toback has consistently denied the allegations, asserting in court documents that any encounters were consensual. He has also argued that the extension of the statute of limitations infringes upon his constitutional rights.
In January, the judge ruled against Toback when he failed to appear in court, subsequently setting a trial focused solely on determining damages. A request for comment sent to Toback’s listed email went unanswered.
The verdict not only highlights a significant legal outcome but also signals broader societal shifts regarding accountability for sexual abuse. The ramifications of this decision may resonate beyond the courtroom, potentially influencing future cases and public awareness.
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