Once a celebrated name in Hollywood, director and screenwriter James Toback now joins the infamous ranks of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey after being ordered to pay $1.68 billion in damages for sexually harassing over 40 women—many of them young and aspiring actresses.
These disturbing incidents, which spanned from 1979 to 2014, came to light during the explosive rise of the #MeToo movement. Women across the industry found the courage to speak up, shattering the silence that long protected powerful men in Hollywood.
Among those who publicly accused Toback are Oscar-winner Julianne Moore, Selma Blair, Rachel McAdams, Ellen Pompeo, Louise Post, Terri Conn, Echo Danon, Adrienne LaValley, Starr Rinaldi, and Sari Kamin. Each shared chilling accounts of Toback using auditions, hotel meetings, and false promises to manipulate and harass them.
The lawsuit, filed in 2022, gained momentum as more women came forward with consistent and credible allegations. A U.S. court, citing substantial evidence and Toback’s own partial admissions, ruled in favor of the victims. The court’s historic decision not only penalizes Toback financially but sends a strong and symbolic message to those who abuse
