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James Toback was charged in 2022 and accused of sexual abuse and other crimes that he is said to have committed between 1979 and 2014.
As “Spiegel” reports, a total of 40 women said against him in the process. On April 9, the judgment and the lawyers’ lawyers fell, Toback must pay a compensation of $ 1.68 billion (approximately 1.51 billion euros).
The goal is justice
The court ruling is one of the most extensive since the start of the #Metoo movement. In total, it should include $ 280 million compensation and $ 1.4 billion. According to “Variety”, Brad Beckworth, a lawyer of the plaintiffs, said: “I think the jury said loudly and clearly.” He further explained that they wanted to “hear their voice and rehearse all over the country to say insiders and people in power positions that we will not tolerate it when this power is used against women.”
Another lawyer, Ross Leonoudakis, said that the money was not the “only motivational factor”. “We saw a unique opportunity to help these survivors find justice.”
According to “Variety”, the 80-year-old did not take part in the negotiation. In advance, however, he claimed that every sexual activity was mutually acceptable. He also did not appear during the pre -negotiations, which caused him to judge him.
Executed position of power
Toback wrote the script for the film “Bugsy” in 1991 and was also the author and director of the films “The Pick-Up Artist” and “Two Girls and a Guy”. He was accused of being pulled through the streets of New York for decades to address young women, invite them and to promise them in film projects. Numerous women accused him of having sexually abused them afterwards – including in the Harvard Club, in his apartment, in his cutting studio and in public parks in New York.
#Metoo is far from over
The #Metoo movement was started in Hollywood when more than 100 women accused the producer Harvey Weinstein rape and sexual harassment in 2017. At that time, the movement achieved international attention. With their experiences, thousands of people came to the public and thus partially caused the laws to be tightened.