James Franco Settles Sexual Exploitation Suit for $2.2 Million

According to the LA Times, newly released court documents revealed that the actor agreed to shell out $2,235,000 in a proposed split that would pay plaintiffs Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gall $894,000 to drop their sexual exploitation claims. Tither-Kaplan will reportedly receive $670,500, minus $223,500 in lawyer fees, while Gaal will get $223,500, minus $74,500 in lawyer fees. Additionally, Franco has supposedly agreed to undisclosed "non-economic terms" to Tither-Kaplan and Gaal.

Related | James Franco Accused of Sexual Abuse by 5 Women

Meanwhile, $1,341,000 going toward the other students who were allegedly defrauded by his acting school, with any unclaimed funds going toward the National Women's Law Center.

"While Defendants continue to deny the allegations in the Complaint, they acknowledge that Plaintiffs have raised important issues; and all parties strongly believe that now is a critical time to focus on addressing the mistreatment of women in Hollywood," a statement issued by both parties read. "All agree on the need to make sure that no one in the entertainment industry — regardless of race, religion, disability, ethnicity, background, gender or sexual orientation — faces discrimination, harassment or prejudice of any kind."

Back in February, news broke that both sides had agreed to settlement, though the specific details of the deal have remained unknown until now.

In 2018, Franco was publicly accused of sexual misconduct by five women, including Tither-Kaplan and actress Violet Paley, who both alleged that he made acting students "perform" violating and explicit sex scenes on camera. As a result, Tither-Kaplan and Gaal sued Franco in last October and included a complaint accusing him of also defrauding students.

The deal is currently waiting to be approved by a Los Angeles judge. In the meantime, read the LA Times' entire report, here.

Photo via Getty / Andrew H. Walker