Introduction
American actor Cuba Gooding Jr., known for his Oscar-winning performance, is embroiled in a civil trial starting today, accused of raping a woman in a New York City hotel ten years ago. The trial commences with the selection of a jury in Manhattan federal court. Gooding Jr. maintains that the encounter was consensual, stating that he and the woman met at a nearby restaurant before going to his hotel room.
Accusations and Defense
The woman, whose identity remains anonymous but will be revealed during the trial, filed a lawsuit alleging that Gooding Jr. raped her. However, his legal team argues that the sexual encounter was consensual and asserts that the woman boasted to others about her involvement with a celebrity. The lawsuit seeks damages amounting to $6 million (approximately €5.6 million). Notably, the accused is someone who authorities claim has faced more than 30 other sexual misconduct allegations, including groping and unwanted kissing.
Additional Testimonies
Judge Paul A. Crotty recently ruled that three women, who claim to have experienced sudden sexual assaults or attempted assaults after encountering Gooding Jr. in social settings, will be allowed to testify during the trial. One of the witnesses, Kelsey Harbert, reported to the police that Gooding Jr. had touched her without consent at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge near Times Square in 2019. Harbert expressed her disappointment that Gooding Jr. had pleaded guilty in a separate case, as it meant she didn’t get her day in court.
Previous Legal Proceedings
In April 2022, Gooding Jr., a renowned actor with notable roles in movies such as Boyz n the Hood and Radio, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. The charge stemmed from an incident in 2018 where he forcibly kissed a nightclub worker in New York. However, he was allowed to withdraw his guilty plea and instead plead guilty to a non-criminal harassment violation after successfully completing six months of alcohol and behavioral counseling. This plea change ensured the elimination of his criminal record and prevented further penalties.
SOURCE: Ref – By David Mouriquand
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