Alki David, known for creating holographic renditions of deceased celebrities, has been hit with a staggering $900 million judgment in a sexual assault legal battle. Four of his former employees brought the case against him, alleging a range of sexual misconduct.
These former staff members of David’s ventures, FilmOn TV and Hologram USA, alleged that he engaged in inappropriate touching, made obscene remarks, and mimicked sexual acts against their will. They also claimed he retaliated against them for spurning his advances.
Following a trial that lasted three weeks, the jury decided in favor of the plaintiffs, finding David culpable of sexual battery, harassment, and discrimination. The damages included $225 million in punitive measures per plaintiff, alongside $25 million in compensatory damages each.
David, a relative of the affluent Greek shipping titan John Frederick Sage, has refuted these accusations. His legal representative, Ellyn Garofalo, expressed in a public statement that the decision was “exorbitantly unreasonable” and “unfair,” and revealed plans to challenge the ruling.
David’s past is riddled with legal challenges. In 2019, another lawsuit surfaced when former employee Chasity Jones accused him of racial discrimination and sexual harassment. Jones’s allegations included exposure to a lewd video and experiencing racially insensitive remarks from David.
Moreover, David has found himself in legal conflicts involving well-known figures and organizations. Notably, in 2018, a court mandated him to pay comedian Andy Dick $5 million due to a contract breach. His history also includes disputes with major names such as Viacom, CBS, and Michael Jackson’s estate concerning the rights to use holographic technology.
This $900 million jury award ranks among the highest in sexual assault cases and is poised to significantly impact David’s reported $1.5 billion fortune.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct in workplaces and the importance of addressing harassment claims earnestly. It reinforces the principle that such behavior is unacceptable and individuals implicated in such actions must be held accountable.
