In a developing story, actress Kate Beckinsale has accused Nick Abramovic, a trauma "healer," of sexual assault during a therapy session, a claim that has sparked a complex legal and financial dispute.
According to Page Six, the issue centers on an unpaid bill for therapy sessions, which Beckinsale has withheld following her allegations, leading to an ongoing investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Kate Beckinsale, known for her roles in movies such as "Underworld," engaged Nick Abramovic of the Bionic Method for three scheduled therapy sessions in late August this year. These sessions, which collectively valued at $2,700, combined elements of Reiki-like massage, stretch therapy, sound therapy, and breathwork, all while Beckinsale remained fully clothed.
Abramovic, who introduced what he termed a non-invasive, above-board therapy method, initially received positive feedback after the first session. Beckinsale’s assistant even texted about her satisfaction and discussed promoting Abramovic’s services on Beckinsale's Instagram.
However, the scenario took a dramatic turn after the second session on August 7. Beckinsale's assistant reached out to Abramovic to book a third appointment but then canceled it. Through her assistant, Beckinsale conveyed that she had experienced sexual assault and battery during the second session, leading her to refuse to attend subsequent sessions and withhold payment.
Beckinsale's decision to withhold payment for the therapy bill stems from these serious allegations against Abramovic, who has categorically denied any wrongdoing. He stated, “I just want to be clear: I did not assault her at all. I categorically deny these allegations.” Defending his five-year professional practice, Abramovic suggested that the accusations might be retaliatory after he pressed for payment.
The LAPD has been briefed on the matter and has begun an investigation, though they have not filed formal charges against Abramovic to date. “We’re interested in hearing from all parties and welcome anyone who feels that they’ve been the victim of any sexual assault to let us know so that we can look into it,” stated an LAPD public information officer.
Beckinsale's legal team insists on the validity of her claims. Marty Singer, her attorney, rejected any suggestion that the payment dispute could be influencing the assault claim. “The belief that my client would file a false police report and wind up having to pay more money for my legal services than pay this person is the most ridiculous concept I’ve ever heard in my career as an attorney,” Singer commented.
Contention also arose over the existence and implications of a nondisclosure agreement signed between the parties. Abramovic claimed that Beckinsale signed it after the disputes began, while her team argues that its timing is irrelevant and accuses Abramovic of breaching the agreement.
Abramovic’s attorney, George Shohet, hinted at pursuing a defamation case against Beckinsale, suggesting the allegations might be an act of retaliation. “We’re looking into a defamation case as this appears to be a retaliatory act after Mr. Abramovic demanded payment from Ms. Beckinsale,” Shohet stated.
Conversely, Beckinsale’s spokesperson emphasized that Abramovic knew the reasons behind the unpaid bill, linking it directly to the unresolved allegations. This adds yet another layer of complexity to the dispute, highlighting the intricate intersections of celebrity, therapy, and legal implications.
As this case unfolds, both legal teams prepare for a potential court confrontation that could probe deeply not only into the specific incidents alleged but also into broader questions about professional boundaries and the handling of assault allegations in semi-private professional settings.
All parties involved eagerly await further developments. The outcome of this case could influence how personal therapy practices are conducted and legally protected moving forward, pointing to a significant precedent in terms of celebrity-therapist interactions and the legal frameworks surrounding such personal engagements.
For now, the public and the legal system watch closely as details and further proceedings are expected to emerge, shining a light on the complexities of handling allegations of sexual assault in nuanced professional contexts.
