Several women have accused Oscar winner Paul Haggis of sexual assault. A New York court is now siding with a plaintiff and sentences the screenwriter and director to a fine of more than seven million dollars. Haggis feels treated unfairly.
Canadian director and Oscar winner Paul Haggis has been sentenced by a New York jury to pay at least $7.5 million in damages for the rape of a film press agent. Haleigh Breest, who sued Haggis at the civil trial, said: "I'm grateful that (...) the jury followed the facts and believed me."
Breest's lawyer told People.com that this was a "great victory" for his client and for the entire MeToo movement. Haggis' attorney said they were "disappointed and shocked" by the verdict. The director did not receive a fair trial.
Breest accused the director in December 2017 of abusing and raping her in January 2013. He is said to have coerced her into sexual acts after a movie party in his New York apartment. At that time she was 26 years old. Haggis claimed all actions were consensual. Three other women also accused Haggis of sexual assault. In June of this year, the director was also arrested on suspicion in another case in southern Italy. Haggis denied the allegations and was soon free.
According to US media, Haggis' lawyers indicated during the trial that Breest's lawsuit was influenced by Scientology. Haggis had criticized Scientology after his own exit from the organization. Breest's lawyers denied the allegation.
Haggis won Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture Producer for the episodic drama LA Crash in 2006. He also wrote the screenplays for hit films such as "Million Dollar Baby" and the "James Bond" films "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace".
