Asia Argento Denies Allegations Against Her, Says It Was Anthony Bourdain's Idea to Pay Off Accuser
Argento, a leading figure in the #MeToo movement, denied allegations she sexually assaulted a 17-year-old boy.
Actress and #MeToo champion Asia Argento is fighting back against allegations that she sexually assaulted a 17-year-old boy and paid him off to keep it quiet.
On Monday, The New York Times reported Argento was accused of plying former child actor Jimmy Bennett with alcohol and having sex with him at Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina Del Rey, California, in 2013. The Italian actress met Bennett 10 years earlier when they appeared together in a movie when he was just 7 years old.
In a statement released Tuesday, she said: “I am deeply shocked and hurt by having read news that is absolutely false. I have never had any sexual relationship with Bennett.”
She accused Bennett of making "an exorbitant request of money" after her fame grew as a Harvey Weinstein accuser.
Argento added that it was her late boyfriend, renowned TV personality Anthony Bourdain, who ultimately paid the former child actor $380,000.
“Bennett knew my boyfriend, Anthony Bourdain, was a man of great perceived wealth and had his own reputation as a beloved public figure to protect," Argento said in a statement.
Bourdain committed suicide two months ago.
Bennett could not be reached for comment.
RELATED STORIES
Trending on Inside Edition
Chowchilla Kidnapping Survivors Reunite on Bus Hijacked in 1976 to Condemn Release of Their Abductors
Human Interest
Only Person Charged in Connection With Killing Solider Vanessa Guillén Pleads Guilty in Federal Court
Crime
Some Theorize Incel Could Be Behind University of Idaho Murders
Crime
Coroner Renews Effort to Name 17 Victims of Serial Killer Herbert Baumeister Found Buried on His Property
Crime
Long Island Cop Known as ‘Baby Whisperer’ Assists in 5th Delivery in 5 Years
Inspirational