James Toback, a longtime Hollywood screenwriter and director, was hit with a $6 million fine. To recap, in a civil sexual abuse trial, he was ordered to pay $1.68 billion. A jury returned the verdict in Toback’s absence after he dropped out of the trial last minute. This absence resulted in a default judgment entered against him. This decision is an incredibly important step in the right direction. Retaliation against whistleblowers has taken a central stage in holding those accused of sexual misconduct accountable since the #MeToo movement began.
Toback, who received an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay “Bugsy,” stands accused of sexual assault by 40 women. These allegations have come to light over a terrible three-decade period. These women courageously told their stories of assault, coercion, and intimidation. In doing so, they alleged that Toback often lured them into meetings under the guise of offering parts in his movies. The significance of these allegations initially came to light in 2017. This only changed when the Los Angeles Times published detailed accounts from several accusers.
The jury trial was to be used to establish the level of damages that Toback would need to pay his various victims. The jury later awarded $280 million in compensatory damages. They ordered $1.4 billion in punitive damages to deter the seriousness of the claims and Toback’s behavior. The verdict continues to be among the top jury awards since the #MeToo movement began. It foreshadows a historic change in how our country pursues justice for victims of sexual abuse.
The Adult Survivors Act in New York was essential in this case. It gives survivors of sexual abuse the ability to bring civil suits against their abusers, regardless of when the assault occurred. This law gave the courage for dozens of women to come forward with their own stories. Accordingly, it began a national conversation about sexual misconduct across all industries and walks of life.
As Toback’s legal battles at 80 years old have finally come to an end with this groundbreaking ruling. His own accusations expose the rot at the core of abuse, everywhere. While telling this important story of their mission, they highlight the critical need for a home base where survivors can go to tell their stories.
Mary Monahan, one of Toback’s accusers, expressed her relief at the jury’s decision.
“For decades, I carried this trauma in silence, and today, a jury believed me. Believed us. That changes everything.” – Mary Monahan
When survivors of any kind of sexual abuse—including domestic violence—must relive the Toback case’s trauma, the battle is not over. It highlights the desperate need for continuous reform and vigilance in Hollywood and across society. Conversations related to public safety, accountability and justice are changing. This ruling may be a precedent for more actions to be taken against those charged with such egregious offenses.
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