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Bennett’s lawyer Gordon K. Sattro released a statement to PEOPLE in response. Argento’s lawyer couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
“This situation has escalated due to Asia’s offensive and dismissive interpretation of this situation in whole…We read this statement as a self-serving and slanderous one which is offensive, not only to my client, but in all likelihood to victims both silent and outspoken, everywhere,” the statement read. “It would seem that Asia is implying that her truth is the actual truth because of her perceived position in this all too important movement and a delusional view of her own importance to it.”
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In her statement, Argento’s lawyer announced “phase two” of the #MeToo movement where victims who have a “negative history” can still feel empowered to come forward.
In response, Bennett’s lawyer said, “Representing Asia as launching Phase Two of the #MeToo movement…while victim-shaming my client in the same statement is ludicrous in the highest regard. Asia has yet to realize that successful women can also be among those who prey on the vulnerable. Predators are not limited to a single sex.”
RELATED VIDEO: Asia Argento Accuser Jimmy Bennett Breaks Silence on Sexual Assault Allegations: ‘I Was Ashamed’
His lawyer also expressed their intention to seek the rest of the $380,000 settlement that had not been paid. Argento’s lawyer announced in her statement that they didn’t intend to pay the rest of the settlement, which was agreed upon when her late boyfriend Anthony Bourdain was alive.
“With the above in mind, we have decided that we are going to secure the balance of funds due under the legally enforceable agreement between Jimmy and Asia and we will be cooperating with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department,” Bennett’s lawyer said. “Upon securing the outstanding funds owed, Jimmy will be donating the entirety of it to the #MeToo movement.”
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Bennett claimed in the documents that Argento kissed him before performing oral sex on him and engaging in intercourse at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, California, according to theTimes. Argento denied the allegations, saying she had never had a sexual relationship with the former young actor.
“The public knows nothing, only what NYT wrote. Which is one sided,” she allegedly wrote in the text, according to TMZ. “The horny kid jumped me.”
source: people.com
