Vin Diesel’s legal battle over an alleged sexual assault on the Fast Five set just took a dramatic—and physical—turn. His high-powered attorney Bryan Freedman is being accused of verbal abuse and attempted intimidation during a heated exchange with opposing counsel in the ongoing civil lawsuit.
The Allegation: “A Moron” and “A P***y”
According to new court documents filed by attorney Matthew Hale, who represents Asta Jonasson—the former assistant suing Diesel—Freedman allegedly verbally attacked and nearly assaulted him during a pre-deposition discussion on June 23. Hale claims that when discussing Vin’s unexpected absence from a scheduled deposition, Freedman suddenly intervened, refusing to give an explanation, insulting him with profanity, and even calling him a “moron” and a “p***y.”
Hale goes on to allege that Freedman stood up aggressively and swung a fist toward his face, stopping just short of making contact—a move that Hale believes was meant to intimidate.
The Backstory: Deposition Drama in Vin Diesel Case
Diesel had been scheduled for a two-day deposition (June 24–25) regarding the lawsuit in which Jonasson claims the actor sexually assaulted her during filming in 2010. Diesel has denied all allegations.
Jonasson’s legal team is now asking the court to compel Diesel’s deposition and impose monetary sanctions over what they describe as delay tactics and intimidation.
Freedman Fires Back
Sources close to Bryan Freedman tell TMZ that none of the allegations are true. They claim Hale was actually the aggressor, yelling and “leaning forward” when told Vin wouldn’t appear. They add Freedman never cursed, raised a fist, or acted aggressively, and argue that if the incident had been as serious as alleged, Hale would have filed a restraining order.
High-Stakes Legal Tensions
Freedman is known for his aggressive courtroom persona and is also currently defending Justin Baldoni in a sexual harassment suit brought by Blake Lively, a case that has also seen heated public exchanges. Earlier this month, Freedman accused Lively of being on a “false victory tour” after part of her suit was tossed.
What’s Next?
With tensions flaring and no resolution in sight, Jonasson’s team is pressing for Diesel to sit for his deposition and for the court to penalize what they see as obstruction. As for the alleged incident between the attorneys, it’s now up to the court to decide whether this was an unprofessional flare-up—or something far more serious.