A Los Angeles judge has dismissed the sexual battery lawsuit filed against Vin Diesel by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, was based on a legal technicality, specifically concerning jurisdiction. Judge Daniel M. Crowley of the L.A. County Superior Court stated that California law could not be applied in this case because the alleged incident occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010, during the filming of "Fast Five".
Jonasson's lawsuit, filed in December 2023, included ten claims, such as sexual battery, retaliation, and violations of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act. She alleged that Diesel groped her, pinned her against a wall, and masturbated in front of her without her consent in a hotel room. Jonasson also claimed she was wrongfully terminated shortly after the alleged assault. The lawsuit also targeted Diesel's production company, One Race Films, and its president, Samantha Vincent, who is Diesel's sister.
Judge Crowley had previously dismissed four other claims from Jonasson, citing the statute of limitations. In his recent ruling, he stated that applying California law to conduct that occurred in Georgia was "extraterritorial" and not permissible. He referenced that California statutes are presumed not to have extraterritorial effect unless the Legislature expressly states otherwise.
Despite the dismissal, Jonasson's attorney, Matthew T. Hale, stated that they intend to appeal the decision. Hale emphasized that the ruling was based on a legal technicality and did not address the truth of Jonasson's allegations. Diesel, 58, has consistently denied the allegations. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated that they are grateful the court has "put an end to this meritless lawsuit" and are pleased that the matter has been resolved entirely. Freedman had previously described Jonasson's claims as "outlandish" and asserted that there is clear evidence refuting them.
The dismissal removes the immediate threat of a public trial for Diesel, which had been tentatively scheduled for February 2026. However, with Jonasson's intent to appeal, the legal battle may continue.
