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Filmmaker James Toback Ordered to Pay $1.68 Billion in Landmark Sex Abuse Case
New York, NY – James Toback, the controversial Hollywood director already facing accusations of sexually assaulting numerous women over several decades, has been mandated to pay a staggering $1.68 billion following a civil sexual abuse trial in New York City. This verdict comes after allegations against Toback surfaced in 2017, concurrent with the rise of the #MeToo movement, underscoring a significant moment for survivors seeking justice.
Key Points of the Verdict:
- Massive Judgement: An 8-person jury has instructed James Toback, 80, to pay $1.68 billion to 40 women who collectively accused him of sexual assault.
- Detailed Accusations: The women presented claims in court encompassing sexual assault, false imprisonment, coercion, and psychological abuse.
- Denials and Absence: Toback refuted all accusations prior to the trial but notably did not attend the legal proceedings.
- #MeToo Context: The allegations against Toback gained prominence during the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017.
Sexual Assault Trial and Allegations Against James Toback
The jury’s decision marks a crucial juncture in the long-standing allegations against Toback. The 80-year-old writer and director is now legally obligated to provide substantial compensation to 40 women who bravely came forward with their testimonies. These women detailed harrowing accounts of sexual assault, unlawful confinement, duress, and emotional mistreatment, as reported by Variety.
Toback’s Previous Denials
Throughout the legal process, Toback maintained his innocence, denying each of the women’s claims. He asserted that any sexual interactions were consensual. However, the overwhelming testimony presented during the trial and his absence from court seemingly influenced the jury’s landmark verdict.
Scale of Allegations Extends Beyond Lawsuit
While 40 women pursued this specific legal action, their number represents only a portion of the total individuals who have accused Toback of sexual misconduct. The 2022 lawsuit, which culminated in this April 2025 trial, is underscored by a much larger pattern of accusations.
Hundreds Accuse Toback of Misconduct
Back in 2018, the Los Angeles Times documented that a significant 395 women contacted the publication with accounts of sexual harassment or sexual assault perpetrated by Toback. This extensive number highlights the pervasive nature of the allegations against the Hollywood director.
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Summary Judgement and Trial Details
The group of 40 women involved in the lawsuit reportedly secured a summary judgement victory, largely due to Toback’s non-appearance at the trial. The proceedings, though initiated in December 2022, commenced this year, lasting a mere seven days. This swift legal process concluded with a resounding victory for the plaintiffs.
James Toback, the controversial filmmaker accused of sexual assault, has been ordered to pay billions after a New York City trial concerning sexual abuse allegations.
40 women provided testimony in court against Toback, 80, detailing sexual assault, false imprisonment, coercion, and psychological abuse, based on reports from Variety.
New York’s Adult Survivors Act Facilitates Lawsuit
The lawsuit’s progression was made possible through New York’s Adult Survivors Act. This legislation instituted a temporary one-year window enabling survivors of alleged sexual abuse to file civil claims, irrespective of when the abuse occurred relative to standard statute of limitations laws. This act provided the legal avenue for these women to seek justice.
Statements Following the Verdict
Following the announcement of the verdict, Brad Beckworth, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, issued a statement emphasizing the significance of the ruling. He declared, ‘This verdict is about justice… It’s about reclaiming power from abusers and returning it to those he sought to control and silence.’
‘Accountability Prevails’: Plaintiffs’ Counsel
Beckworth further added, ‘Today, a jury from the New York community delivered a clear message: no individual is exempt from accountability. This movement continues, and our work is far from complete.’ These remarks underscored the broader implications of the verdict within the ongoing fight against sexual abuse and harassment.
‘Validation, Not Just a Verdict’: Lead Plaintiff Speaks Out
Mary Monahan, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, also shared her reaction, stating, ‘This is not merely a verdict — it’s validation. For decades, I have silently endured this trauma, and today, a jury believed me. Believed us. This changes everything.’
Declaration of Rights and Truth
Monahan continued, ‘This verdict transcends monetary value — it’s a declaration. We are not disposable. We are not liars. We are not collateral damage in another person’s abuse of power. The world now acknowledges what we have always known: his actions were real, and our actions—standing up and speaking out—were just.’
While 40 women joined the lawsuit, hundreds more have accused Toback of sexual misconduct, highlighting a widespread pattern of alleged abuse by the director.