Paul Haggis accused of withholding information from rape accuser

Filmmaker Paul Haggis has been accused of failing to “engage in routine discovery” as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed against him by his rape accuser.
Publicist Haleigh Breest filed a civil suit against the Oscar winner in late 2017, claiming she had been forced to pleasure him orally, before engaging in vaginal sex during an encounter at her New York City apartment in 2013.
Haggis denied sexually assaulting Breest, but did admit to receiving oral sex from her, which he insisted was fully consensual.
The court case is ongoing, but Haggis is now facing allegations suggesting he has been withholding routine information requested by the plaintiff’s lawyers, regarding anyone he may have discussed the case with.
Breest’s lawyers have filed papers in Manhattan Supreme Court, asking the judge overseeing the dispute to intervene, insisting they have been left with little choice due to “Haggis’ stubborn refusal to engage in routine discovery”.
Zoe Salzman, one of Breest’s legal representatives, told the New York Post’s Page Six, “We have already had to file several other motions to compel Haggis to produce the most basic discovery in this case, as well as a sample of his DNA.
“Haggis appears to be determined to obstruct the quest for truth and justice in this case.”
However, the Crash writer/director’s lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, has dismissed the “hypocritical” motion as a “press stunt”, arguing that Breest has also been unwilling to offer up similar information.
“Her lawyers’ feigned outrage is absurd. This is another ploy to waste Mr. Haggis’ resources,” Chaudhry added.
“He looks forward to his counsel’s deposition of Ms. Breest scheduled for later this month, and to vindicating his rights in court.”
Haggis previously countersued Breest, accusing her of attempting to extort him over the false rape claims, but his case was dismissed last summer (18). He appealed the ruling, but decided to drop the suit earlier this year (19).