New York Jury Awards $1.68 Billion Against James Toback

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Women celebrate a major legal victory in the courtroom.

News Summary

A New York jury awarded $1.68 billion to 40 women accusing filmmaker James Toback of sexual abuse. This landmark verdict is a result of the Adult Survivors Act, allowing survivors to seek justice beyond the statute of limitations. The jury’s decision includes $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages. This ruling is seen as a significant victory for the #MeToo movement, holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions over decades.

New York Jury Hands Down Historic $1.68 Billion Verdict Against Filmmaker James Toback

In a groundbreaking move that has caught the attention of many, a jury in New York has awarded a staggering $1.68 billion to 40 women who accused filmmaker James Toback of sexual abuse and other crimes that span an alarming 35 years. This landmark verdict springs from a lawsuit filed in Manhattan in 2022, leveraging New York’s Adult Survivors Act. This important legislation allows survivors of sexual assault to file lawsuits even when the statute of limitations has run out, providing a glimmer of hope for those seeking justice.

The Breakdown of Damages

The jury’s decision encompasses a hefty $280 million in compensatory damages along with an eye-popping $1.4 billion in punitive damages. This verdict is being noted as one of the largest jury awards in history concerning sexual assault claims, especially significant since the advent of the #MeToo movement.

The Allegations against Toback

James Toback, an 80-year-old filmmaker famous for his Oscar-nominated film “Bugsy” from 1991, has been accused of leveraging his stature in Hollywood to manipulate, coerce, and assault women for decades. The waves of allegations against Toback first made headlines in late 2017, when the Los Angeles Times reported on accounts from 38 women who bravefully came forward to share their harrowing stories of sexual harassment.

The disturbing pattern of abuse allegedly took place between 1979 and 2014, with victims reportedly being lured in by false promises of movie roles. The trial, which spanned over seven days, saw 20 women courageously testify in person. Meanwhile, video depositions from another 20 women were also presented, further solidifying the case against Toback.

A Moment of Validation

A lead plaintiff, reflecting on the jury’s decision, felt it served as a crucial validation of the years of trauma endured by her and the other women involved. The attorneys representing the plaintiffs emphasized that this ruling sends a firm message to individuals abusing their power over women.

Toback’s Denial and Absence in Court

In contrast, Toback has consistently denied the accusations against him, claiming that his interactions with the plaintiffs were consensual. He has argued that the Adult Survivors Act infringed upon his constitutional rights. Notably, he did not attend the trial, opting to represent himself, which subsequently led to a default judgment against him due to his failure to appear in court.

The Ripple Effect of the Verdict

This lawsuit initially included the Harvard Club of New York City as a defendant but was dropped in January 2024. The plaintiffs contended that Toback exploited various spaces, including the Harvard Club, his own apartment, and public parks, to carry out his abuses. Filed shortly after the Adult Survivors Act came into effect, this lawsuit opened a temporary window of opportunity for survivors seeking justice.

The victorious plaintiffs believe that this verdict sends a strong and clear message: predators can no longer exploit their fame or position without facing consequences. Another plaintiff remarked that this ruling not only impacts the past but also aims to create a safer environment for women across New York.

Looking Ahead

Following the verdict, attorneys representing the plaintiffs are set to investigate Toback’s financial situation to gauge the likelihood of recovering the awarded damages. This trial forms part of a wider, ongoing movement in New York aimed at addressing and rectifying past injustices related to sexual abuse claims.

With this monumental decision, New York is paving the way for a future where victims are heard, validated, and empowered to seek justice.