New York Jury Awards $1.68 Billion to Women Against James Toback in Landmark Verdict
A New York jury has awarded $1.68 billion in damages to 40 women accusing filmmaker James Toback of sexual abuse.
Overview
In a landmark ruling, a New York jury awarded $1.68 billion to 40 women who accused James Toback of sexual abuse over 35 years. The award consists of $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages. The case stemmed from a 2022 lawsuit after the Adult Survivors Act allowed victims to sue despite past statutes of limitation. As one of the largest awards in New York state history and since the #MeToo movement, plaintiffs expressed hope it sends a message against abusive power. Toback denied the allegations and did not attend the trial.
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Analysis
- The New York jury's $1.68 billion award to 40 women against James Toback aims to send a strong message against sexual abuse, underscoring the need for accountability within powerful industries.
- Brad Beckworth, the attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized that the verdict is a step towards reclaiming power for victims and a declaration of their experiences being validated.
- Mary Monahan, a lead plaintiff, expressed that the jury's decision represents a significant acknowledgment of her trauma, reinforcing that survivors deserve to be heard and believed.
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New York Post·3M·FAQ
The award is primarily due to punitive damages, amounting to $1.4 billion, reflecting the jury's intention to send a strong message against sexual abuse and harassment, especially by those in positions of power. The compensatory damages total $280 million.
The lawsuit was possible due to New York's Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily lifted statutes of limitations, allowing victims of past sexual abuse to file civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
No, James Toback did not attend the trial and had stopped participating in the case after his requests to dismiss it were denied, leading to a partial default judgment.
History
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