Renowned US actor Jamie Foxx, born Eric Marlon Bishop, is facing legal action as a woman alleges he sexually assaulted her at Catch NYC, a popular rooftop bar, in 2015.
The accuser has filed a lawsuit seeking damages for “sexual assault, abuse, assault and battery,” claiming that the incident occurred in the early hours of August 26, 2015.
According to the lawsuit, the unnamed woman approached Mr. Foxx for a photo, to which he responded, “sure, baby, anything for you.” Subsequently, the actor led her to a secluded area of the restaurant, where he allegedly touched her breasts and put his hands in her underwear without her consent. The accuser states that the encounter ended when her friend intervened.
Mr. Foxx’s representatives have not provided a response to the BBC’s request for comment as of now. The lawsuit also names restaurant and bar owner Mark Birnbaum, alleging that he and the establishment’s staff failed to protect the plaintiff, breaching their duty of care.
The legal action comes just before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act on November 24, allowing alleged victims of sex crimes to sue even after the statute of limitations has passed. The lawsuit claims that the woman has suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other damages due to the alleged assault.
This development adds Jamie Foxx’s name to the list of high-profile individuals, including former US President Donald Trump, rapper Sean Combs, comedian Bill Cosby, actor Cuba Gooding Jr, and Russell Brand, who have faced lawsuits under the New York Adult Survivors Act. Foxx, known for winning a Best Actor Academy Award for his role as Ray Charles in the 2004 film “Ray,” now faces legal scrutiny amidst these serious allegations.