Celebrity News August 20, 2018
Asia Argento Reportedly Paid Off Her Own Sexual Assault Accuser
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Months after she accused disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, actress Asia Argento is involved in her own sexual assault scandal.
According to The New York Times, Argento agreed to pay $380,000 to Jimmy Bennett, who played her son in “The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.”
In the documents sent to the paper, Bennett accused Argento of sexually assaulting him in a hotel room in 2013, two months after his 17th birthday. He claimed Argento kissed him, performed oral sex, and had sexual intercourse with him.
The now 22-year-old demanded $3.5 million in damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress, lost wages, plus assault and battery, according to The Times. The publication was also sent a selfie of Argento and Bennett in bed on the day in question.
At the time, Argento took to Instagram to post about their meeting, writing, “Waiting for my long lost son my love @jimmymbennett in trepidation #marinadelrey smoking cigarettes like there was no next week.” In response to the post, Bennett wrote, “I'm almost there!:).”
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Once they met in Marina del Rey, she posted two pics with Bennett, saying, “Happiest day of my life reunion with @jimmymbennett xox.”
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In another post she wrote, “My son my love until I will live @jimmymbennett marina del rey 05.2013.”
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After hearing news of the settlement, Asia's friend Rose McGowan tweeted, “I got to know Asia Argento ten months ago. Our commonality is the shared pain of being assaulted by Harvey Weinstein. My heart is broken. I will continue my work on behalf of victims everywhere.”
McGowan added, “None of us know the truth of the situation and I'm sure more will be revealed. Be gentle.”
Last year, Argento accused Weinstein of assault and rape. At the time, boyfriend Anthony Bourdain took to Twitter to show his support, tweeting, “I am proud and honored to know you. You just did the hardest thing in the world.”
Argento has not responded to the allegations. Bennett's legal team reveals he would not agree to an interview, telling The Times, "In the coming days, Jimmy will continue doing what he has been doing over the past months and years, focusing on his music.”
