Paul Haggis Reaches $2 Million Settlement in Civil Rape Lawsuit
Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Paul Haggis has finalized a settlement payment of nearly $2 million to Haleigh Breest, the woman who accused him of rape following a film premiere. This resolution comes after a New York jury previously ordered Haggis to pay $10 million in damages in 2022, with the settlement amount representing a significant reduction from that verdict.
Legal Resolution Filed in New York Court
Court documents filed in New York show that an amended judgment for US$1,963,361 plus interest was submitted on Thursday, followed by a sworn statement from Breest's lawyer on Friday declaring the judgment fully paid. The settlement was negotiated last month when both parties filed a notice in the Supreme Court of New York stating they had "amicably resolved all disputes."
Haggis's legal team emphasized that the settlement was reached to avoid prolonged litigation, with his lawyer Imran Ansari noting that Haggis continues to deny the allegations and maintains the interaction was consensual. "Without any admission of fault by Mr. Haggis, and acknowledging that he maintains his innocence, the parties have mutually elected to put this matter behind them," Ansari stated.
Contrasting Legal Perspectives
Priya Chaudhry, Haggis's trial lawyer who defended him during the 2022 proceedings, offered a more pointed reaction to the settlement. "It does not surprise me that she settled for pennies on the dollar because the verdict was an extreme miscarriage of justice that would have imploded on appeal," Chaudhry said. "I hope the world gets that message from this obvious white flag from his accuser."
Breest's lawyer did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the settlement or Chaudhry's characterization of the resolution.
Background of the Case and Haggis's Career
The civil lawsuit stemmed from allegations by Haleigh Breest that Haggis raped her after a film premiere. Following a four-week jury trial in 2022, Haggis was ordered to pay $10 million in damages, with an additional $2.8 million later ordered for Breest's legal fees.
Paul Haggis, born in London, Ontario, moved to Los Angeles to pursue his entertainment career. He gained international recognition after winning back-to-back Best Picture Oscars for Million Dollar Baby (2004) and Crash (2005), becoming the first writer to achieve this consecutive honor. His extensive filmography includes co-writing two James Bond films and creating the popular Canadian television series Due South in the 1990s.
Now 72 years old and residing in Rome, Italy, Haggis has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings while opting for settlement to conclude the matter.
