Jamie Foxx finds himself in a legal battle as a woman has filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual assault that allegedly occurred in August 2015.
The lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court just days before the expiration date for the New York Survivors Act, which allows adult sexual assault survivors to sue regardless of the statute of limitations. Foxx's representatives have not yet commented on the matter.
The unnamed woman alleges that she and a friend approached the Academy Award-winning actor at a rooftop bar, Catch NYC & Roof, where he had been enjoying drinks with associates, NBC News reports.
While taking pictures with the actor, Foxx reportedly grabbed the woman's phone and continued taking pictures, making suggestive comments about her appearance. The suit claims that Foxx then escalated the situation by grabbing her arm and leading her to a secluded area on the rooftop.
In this private space, Foxx allegedly fondled the woman, touching her breasts and sliding his hand under her shirt. The lawsuit takes a more disturbing turn as it alleges that Foxx proceeded to put his fingers on and in her vagina and anus.
The court filing asserts that a security guard witnessed the incident but failed to intervene, choosing to walk away. When the woman's friend approached, Foxx ceased his actions and engaged with the security guard.
The lawsuit not only targets Foxx but also includes Catch NYC & Roof, Catch NYC Inc., Catch Hospitality Group, and Mark Birnbaum, the owner of Catch, as defendants. The suit accuses these parties of negligence, claiming they failed to protect their patrons.
The court filing asserts that Birnbaum and Catch's employees were aware of Foxx's alleged history of aggressive behavior towards women, potential unwanted sexual touching, and his disposition when consuming excessive alcohol. Despite this knowledge, they allegedly did not take adequate measures to prevent the alleged assault.
The woman alleges that the incident left her in need of medical treatment and caused her significant pain, suffering, and emotional distress. She claims to continue experiencing the effects of the assault, including humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various physical and emotional damages.
As a result, the woman is seeking unspecified damages through the lawsuit.
Foxx faces a legal challenge as he confronts allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2015. The lawsuit, filed just before the expiration of the New York Survivors Act deadline, alleges disturbing actions by the actor and accuses the rooftop bar, Catch NYC & Roof, and its associates of negligence. The legal battle continues, with Foxx and the other defendants expected to respond to the allegations in due course.