Paul Haggis settles civil rape judgment for $1.9 million

Paul Haggis agreed to pay $1.9 million to settle a civil suit brought by Haleigh Breest, who in 2022 prevailed in a civil trial that found him liable for rape.

Ms. Breest's lawsuit, filed in the early months of the #MeToo movement, alleged that in 2013 Mr. Haggis invited her to his downtown Manhattan loft and forced her to give him oral sex, digitally penetrated her and raped her. Mr. Haggis has maintained the encounter was consensual. A judge had initially ordered him to pay at least $7.5 million after the jury's verdict.

The settlement, signed last month, said both parties had "amicably resolved all disputes" and that Ms. Breest would file a satisfaction of the amended judgment indicating the required amount had been paid. Under the terms, Mr. Haggis agreed to pay $1.9 million. Lawyers for both sides did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The civil trial in Manhattan Supreme Court lasted 15 days in the fall of 2022, and a six-person jury found Mr. Haggis liable. He did not face criminal charges in the matter. During the trial, Ms. Breest testified she had felt pressure to go to his apartment because of his stature in Hollywood, while the defense highlighted messages in which she took a more lighthearted tone and a text saying, "I need to get something out of this at least." Priya Chaudhry, a lawyer for Mr. Haggis, said at the time the defense was "disappointed and shocked" by the outcome.

Key Topics

Culture, Paul Haggis, Haleigh Breest, Manhattan Supreme Court, Metoo Movement, Civil Settlement