Paul Haggis is currently in the news for the wrong reasons. A civil trial began against him on Wednesday that involves a lawsuit from a woman who accused him of raping her almost a decade ago. Haleigh Breest, a publicist by profession, had filed a lawsuit against Haggis in 2017.
It begs the question as to who is this person and what is the case. There is also a possible connection to the Church of Scientology. Let’s find out the answer to all these questions here.
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Who Is Paul Haggis?
Haggis is a Canadian screenwriter, film producer, and director of film and television shows. He wrote and produced two Best Picture Oscar winners ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and Crash.’
The latter was also directed by him. He has also co-written the war drama ‘Flags of Our Fathers’ and the James Bond films ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’.
Apart from films, Haggins is also active in the television industry. He is the creator of the series ‘Due South’ and has served as a co-creator of ‘Walker, Texas Ranger.’
All these accomplishments are evidence that Haggis is indeed a famous and influential power who might have abused his power over others.
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The Rape Case Against Him
Haleigh Breest, the publicist who filed a lawsuit against Haggis in 2017, alleges that the forced her to perform oral sex and then raped her after she reluctantly agreed to have a drink at his apartment in Soho.
Breest, who was 26 at the time of the incident, said that the director used his power to put pressure on her. “The defendant, Paul Haggis, is a famous movie director and screenwriter. He’s powerful. He’s also manipulative,” her lawyer Zoe Salzman told the jurors in a Lower Manhattan courtroom.
“The evidence in this case will show Mr. Haggis used his storytelling skills and fame to prey on, manipulate and attack vulnerable young women in the film industry.”
Haggis said that the sex was consensual and he did not force himself on her. The defense also maintains the charge came in response to Haggis’ decision to leave and criticize the Church of Scientology. “Scientology is very successful at destroying its enemies without leaving a single fingerprint behind,” defense attorney Priya Chaudhry said in court.
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