Hollywood Director Ordered to Pay $1.68 Billion in Landmark Sexual Assault Case

A New York jury has delivered a staggering $1.68 billion verdict against Hollywood director James Toback, ordering him to compensate 40 women who accused him of sexual assault and abuse spanning 35 years. The ruling, one of the largest jury awards in state history, marks a significant moment in the #MeToo movement, underscoring efforts to hold powerful figures accountable.

Toback, an 80-year-old Oscar-nominated screenwriter known for films like Bugsy and Black and White, faced allegations of luring women under the pretense of career opportunities, only to subject them to sexual misconduct. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan in 2022, was enabled by New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which allowed claims beyond the statute of limitations. During the seven-day trial, 20 women testified in person, with video depositions from 20 others, detailing their experiences. Toback did not attend, leading to a default judgment in January 2025.

The jury awarded $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages, signaling a strong rebuke of Toback’s alleged actions. Attorney Brad Beckworth, representing the plaintiffs, hailed the verdict as a message to those who misuse power, stating, “This ensures women’s voices are heard.” Plaintiff Marianne Hettinger described the outcome as “healing,” emphasizing its emotional impact.

The verdict has sparked debate, with some praising its role in advancing justice, while others question the feasibility of collecting such a sum from Toback, whose financial status remains unclear. His absence from the trial has also raised concerns about due process, though the ruling stands as a legal milestone.

This case, reported widely on April 9-10, 2025, reflects ongoing efforts to address systemic abuse in Hollywood, likely influencing future legal actions against industry figures.