The civil trial of Hollywood actor Cuba Gooding Jr for allegedly raping a girl at a New York City resort a decade in the past is about to start on Tuesday.
The alleged sufferer claims Gooding Jr persuaded her to hitch him at a resort and satisfied her to go to his room so he might change garments, earlier than raping her.
However, the 55-year-old actor maintains the encounter was consensual after they met at a close-by restaurant.
His legal professionals say she later bragged about having intercourse with a star.
The lady has to date proceeded anonymously however has been advised she should reveal her title on the trial, which is because of start with jury choice at Manhattan federal courtroom.
The lawsuit filed in opposition to Gooding Jr, who gained an Oscar for his supporting function in 1997 movie Jerry Maguire, is searching for $6m (£4.8m) in damages.
Judge Paul Crotty dominated that three ladies can be allowed to present proof to say they have been additionally subjected to sudden or tried sexual assaults after assembly the actor in social settings together with bars, eating places, nightclubs and festivals.
One lady who intends to testify has been named as Kelsey Harbert – who advised police that Gooding Jr fondled her with out her consent on the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge near Times Square in 2019.
Gooding Jr was allowed to plead responsible to a misdemeanour final yr – admitting he forcibly kissed a employee at a nightclub within the metropolis in 2018.
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As a consequence, he was spared from a jail sentence or a legal historical past – with Ms Harbert beforehand describing how she felt “more disappointed than words can say” about not getting her day in courtroom.
By staying out of bother and finishing six months of alcohol and behavioural counselling, the actor was allowed to withdraw his responsible plea.
He pleaded responsible to a non-criminal harassment violation – eliminating his legal file and stopping additional penalties.
The authorities say Gooding Jr has dedicated sexual misconduct in opposition to greater than 30 different ladies – together with groping, undesirable kissing and different inappropriate behaviour.
Source: information.sky.com”