Symbol copyright AFP Image caption Asia Argento: “No intercourse with Bennett”
Italian actress Asia Argento, a leader of the #MeToo motion, has strongly denied an allegation of sexual attack.
Prison documents noticed by way of the brand new York Instances had been mentioned to show she paid former co-megastar Jimmy Bennett $380,000 (£298,000) after he accused her of sexually assaulting him when he was 17.
In a statement, she says: “i have never had any sexual dating with Bennett”.
The actress says she strongly denies the contents of the NYT article.
Quoting documents exchanged between legal professionals for Bennett and Argento, the paper details an incident alleged to have taken place in 2013 in a California resort room when he had simply grew to become 17 and she or he was once 37.
Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption Jimmy Bennett pictured in Hollywood in 2015
“Anthony was once frightened of the possible terrible exposure that such particular person, whom he regarded as bad, may have introduced upon us.
“We decided to deal compassionately with Bennett’s demand for lend a hand and provides it to him.”
The sheriff’s division in La county, where the alleged assault took place, have mentioned they’re seeking to contact the alleged victim.
What was the response to the allegations?
Such A Lot of the response came ahead of Argento’s rejection of the brand new York Times account.
In an announcement printed by way of Self-Importance Truthful, a lawyer for Mr Bennett stated his shopper would not remark however would take the “next 24 hours, or longer, to prepare his reaction”.
Ben Brafman, a attorney for Mr Weinstein, mentioned the development found out “a shocking level of hypocrisy by way of Asia Argento”.
“What’s in all probability such a lot egregious is the timing, which implies that at the exact same time Argento used to be working on her personal secret payment for the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, she was once positioning herself on the forefront of those condemning Mr Weinstein, despite the truth that her sexual courting with Mr Weinstein was between two consenting adults which lasted for greater than 4 years,” the legal professional stated.
Mr Weinstein used to be charged in The Big Apple this 12 months with sexually assaulting three unnamed women, which he denies.
How did #MeToo react?
Tarana Burke, founder of the movement, mentioned there has been “no model survivor” and warned that the newest accusations can be utilized by a few to discredit #MeToo.
She tweeted that the movement used to be there for male sufferers besides as female.
Another prime-profile accuser of Harvey Weinstein and champion of the #MeToo movement, Rose McGowan, tweeted that she was once heartbroken via the accusations towards Asia Argento but wouldn’t be deterred from continuing her own work.
