James Toback, a well-known filmmaker, was ordered to pay $1.68 billion after a court trial in New York. He faced accusations of sexually assaulting 40 women. The trial came after many women came forward with stories about his behavior. James Toback, who is 80 years old, denied the accusations. He claimed that any sexual encounters were consensual. However, the women who sued him said they were victims of sexual abuse.

Many Women Came Forward with Allegations

While 40 women were part of the lawsuit, they were not the only ones to accuse James Toback. In 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that 395 women had shared stories of harassment and abuse by Toback. These women spoke out about the misconduct they faced while trying to break into the entertainment industry. Their stories sparked the larger #MeToo movement, which encouraged many others to speak up about abuse in Hollywood.

A Quick Trial and Big Verdict

The trial was short, lasting only seven days. Toback did not attend the trial, and the women won by default. All 40 women testified, with half of them giving their statements in person. The other half spoke through video recordings. The jury decided that James Toback should pay a total of $1.68 billion. This amount includes $280 million for compensatory damages and $1.4 billion for punitive damages.

New York’s Adult Survivors Act Makes It Possible

This lawsuit was made possible because of the Adult Survivors Act in New York. The law allowed survivors of sexual abuse to file civil claims, even if their abuse happened too long ago. The law created a one-year window for these claims, giving victims a chance to seek justice. This law helped these women take legal action against Toback, even though the abuse occurred many years earlier.

A Strong Statement from Lawyers

Brad Beckworth, the lawyer representing the women, spoke after the verdict. He said the trial was about more than money. It was about giving power back to the victims. He emphasized that this verdict sent a strong message that no one is above the law. The fight for justice is still ongoing, and the movement is not over.

Victims Find Validation Through the Court Ruling

Mary Monahan, the lead plaintiff in the case, said the verdict was a declaration. It was not just about the money. It was about being believed after years of silence. For her, the court’s decision was a form of validation. She felt seen and heard, which was a major change after decades of carrying trauma in secret.

Karen Sklaire Watson, another plaintiff, spoke about how this verdict would make New York safer for women. She said that the message was clear: predators can no longer hide behind fame or money. The case set a strong example that abuse will no longer be tolerated, no matter how powerful the abuser is.

Other Famous Women Share Their Stories

James Toback’s sexual misconduct came to light in 2017, after actress Selma Blair tweeted about his behavior. Following her tweet, many other women began to share their own experiences. These women included famous actresses like Julianne Moore, Rachel McAdams, and Ellen Pompeo. They all shared stories of harassment or inappropriate behavior by Toback. Moore remembered being approached by Toback in New York in the 1980s. He asked her to audition for him, repeating the same lines a month later. Pompeo also recalled a troubling experience with James Toback, where he asked her if she would “get naked in a movie.”

Financial Recovery for the Women

The women involved in the lawsuit may not recover the full $1.68 billion that was awarded. Toback’s net worth is unclear, and it is possible that the women will only receive a small portion of the amount. However, the financial aspect was not their main focus. According to Ross Leonoudakis, a lawyer for the women, the goal was to help the survivors seek justice. The court ruling was a victory, and it sent a powerful message about accountability.

Toback’s Rise and Fall in Hollywood

James Toback was once a successful filmmaker in Hollywood. He wrote and directed popular movies like “The Gambler” in 1974, which starred James Caan. In 1991, he directed the film “Bugsy,” which received positive reviews and even won Oscars. However, after that, Toback’s career began to fade. His later films, including the 2017 film “An Imperfect Murder,” were not successful. The accusations against him severely hurt his career, and the film was overshadowed by the growing allegations.

James Toback’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. He has been married twice. His current wife, Stephanie Kempf, worked on his documentary. Before that, he was married to Consuelo Sarah Churchill Vanderbilt Russell. Their marriage was short and ended in divorce.