The civil trial of Hollywood actor Cuba Gooding Jr for allegedly raping a woman at a New York City hotel a decade ago is set to begin on Tuesday.
The alleged victim claims Gooding Jr persuaded her to join him at a hotel and convinced her to go to his room so he could change clothes, before raping her.
However, the 55-year-old actor maintains the encounter was consensual after they met at a nearby restaurant.
His lawyers say she later bragged about having sex with a celebrity.
The woman has so far proceeded anonymously but has been told she must reveal her name at the trial, which is due to begin with jury selection at Manhattan federal court.
The lawsuit filed against Gooding Jr, who won an Oscar for his supporting role in 1997 film Jerry Maguire, is seeking $6m (£4.8m) in damages.
Judge Paul Crotty ruled that three women will be allowed to give evidence to say they were also subjected to sudden or attempted sexual assaults after meeting the actor in social settings including bars, restaurants, nightclubs and festivals.
Kelsey Harbert, centre, will testify in the civil trial which begins on Tuesday. Pic: AP
One woman who intends to testify has been named as Kelsey Harbert – who told police that Gooding Jr fondled her without her consent at the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge close to Times Square in 2019.
Gooding Jr was allowed to plead guilty to a misdemeanour last year – admitting he forcibly kissed a worker at a nightclub in the city in 2018.
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Gooding Jr at Manhattan Criminal Court for a sexual misconduct case in October last year – which was resolved with a guilty plea to a lesser charge. Pic: AP
As a result, he was spared from a jail sentence or a criminal history – with Ms Harbert previously describing how she felt “more disappointed than words can say” about not getting her day in court.
By staying out of trouble and completing six months of alcohol and behavioural counselling, the actor was allowed to withdraw his guilty plea.
He pleaded guilty to a non-criminal harassment violation – eliminating his criminal record and preventing further penalties.
The authorities say Gooding Jr has committed sexual misconduct against more than 30 other women – including groping, unwanted kissing and other inappropriate behaviour.
