The woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by Jameis Winston in Dec. 2012 has sued the NFL draft prospect in civil court.
According to The Tampa Bay Times, Erica Kinsman is suing Winston on grounds of “sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and ‘intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape.'”
Winston admitted to having sex with Kinsman during his redshirt freshman season in late 2012, but he says it was consensual, while she argued that it was not. Though Kinsman quickly reported the alleged sexual assault to authorities, she was discouraged by officials from pursuing further action against the eventual Heisman Trophy winner. The state later declined to press charges after realizing what a difficult case they had, but now Kinsman is pursuing further legal action.
Her attorney, John Clune, released the following statement on the matter:
“Today, a very brave young woman filed her lawsuit against Jameis Winston for the sexual battery that she reported to police in December 2012. Over the past two years, this survivor of sexual violence has had to endure a delinquent police investigation, a hostile FSU athletic department, and Mr. Winston’s bullying lawyer. But the more these forces sought to silence her, the more determined she has become to step forward and hold Jameis Winston accountable for his actions. With the support of her family, she is prepared for this fight and for the counterclaims and the smear campaigns that will surely follow.
“We know that quite often the public is quick to support the cause against sexual violence but at times can be slow to support the individual women who come forward. We hope that this case becomes a model for understanding what real sexual assault cases look like as well as the barriers that survivors face in coming forward. Perhaps more than anything, Erica hopes to show other survivors the strength and empowerment that can come from refusing to stay silent no matter what forces are against you.
“Jameis Winston in contrast has proven time and time again to be an entitled athlete who believes he can take what he wants. He took something here that he was not entitled to and he hurt someone. There are consequences for that behavior and since others have refused to hold him accountable, our client will.”
