In a landmark ruling, a New York jury has ordered director James Toback to pay a staggering $1.68 billion to 40 women who accused him of sexual abuse and harassment spanning over four decades. This verdict, reached on April 9, 2025, marks one of the largest jury awards since the #MeToo movement began and sets a significant precedent in New York state history.
The trial, which lasted seven days, concluded with the jury awarding $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages. Toback, who did not attend the trial and represented himself, faced a default judgment after failing to appear for pre-trial hearings. His absence from the courtroom has raised eyebrows, especially given the gravity of the accusations against him.
Lead attorney Brad Beckworth, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of the verdict, stating, "We asked the jury very clearly to send a message to the entire industry that the #MeToo movement is unfinished and, in some ways, forgotten already. They needed to hold the line and let everyone from New York to Hollywood to Washington, D.C., and in between know that this kind of conduct is not OK and will not be accepted, period." This statement underscores the ongoing struggle against sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Toback, 80, was first accused of sexual harassment in late 2017, when a Los Angeles Times article reported claims from 38 women detailing his inappropriate behavior over a 40-year period. The allegations suggested a disturbing pattern where Toback would approach young women, often on the streets of New York, claiming to be a famous director who could offer them roles in his films. However, these encounters frequently devolved into sexual harassment, with some women alleging that he masturbated in front of them or attempted to coerce them into sexual acts.
Mary Monahan, a lead plaintiff in the case, expressed her feelings about the verdict, stating, "This will be his legacy, absolutely. It won’t be Bugsy. And that is immensely validating. A jury heard us, and a jury believed us." Monahan's sentiments reflect the emotional weight carried by the plaintiffs, many of whom have lived with their trauma in silence for years.
Another plaintiff, Karen Sklaire Watson, added, "We’re drawing a line in the sand: Predators cannot hide behind fame, money, or power. Not here. Not anymore." Watson's comments resonate with a growing movement among survivors to reclaim their narratives and demand accountability from those in positions of power.
The lawsuit that led to this monumental verdict was filed in Manhattan in 2022, following the implementation of New York's Adult Survivors Act, which allowed individuals to file lawsuits over sexual assault claims, even if they occurred decades prior. This legal framework enabled the plaintiffs to seek justice after the statute of limitations had expired in many previous cases. In 2018, Los Angeles prosecutors declined to bring criminal charges against Toback, citing expired statutes of limitations in five cases.
The jury's decision is seen as a critical step in the ongoing fight for justice and accountability in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Beckworth remarked, "This verdict is about justice. But more importantly, it’s about taking power back from the abusers — and their enablers — and returning it to those he tried to control and silence." This perspective highlights the broader implications of the verdict, which advocates hope will inspire further action against sexual abuse in various industries.
Throughout his career, Toback was known for his Oscar-nominated screenplay for the 1991 film Bugsy, which starred Warren Beatty. However, as the trial revealed, his legacy may now be overshadowed by the serious allegations against him and the substantial damages awarded to his victims.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and testimonies presented during the trial, Toback has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has claimed that all sexual encounters were consensual and expressed that any suggestion otherwise is "disgusting" to him. His defense has included arguments that New York's law extending the statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases violates his constitutional rights.
As the dust settles on this historic verdict, the implications for the entertainment industry and survivors of sexual abuse are profound. The ruling not only provides a significant financial recompense to the victims but also serves as a powerful reminder that the fight against sexual misconduct is far from over. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in late 2017, continues to challenge the status quo and advocate for systemic change.
The court has yet to release the full documentation of the verdict, but the message has been loud and clear: survivors deserve to be heard, and those who abuse their power will be held accountable. As the legal and social ramifications of this case unfold, it will be crucial to monitor how this verdict influences future cases and the ongoing discourse surrounding sexual harassment and abuse in all spheres of life.
