The woman who accused former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston of a December 2012 sexual assault filed a civil lawsuit Thursday against Winston.
Erica Kinsman, of Zephyrhills, Florida, filed the suit, claiming sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and "intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape," per the Tampa Bay Times.
Winston was not charged with a crime stemming from the encounter, which Winston has said was consensual. However, intense criticism of the way the case was handled by both Florida State and local police in Tallahassee, Florida, led not only to continuing questions about Winston's character, but a federal Title IX lawsuit filed by Kinsman against Florida State, as well. Winston was also brought before a school code of conduct hearing in December, but was not found to be in violation of any school conduct codes, either.
Kinsman's attorney, John Clune, released a statement after the lawsuit was filed.
"Over the past two years, this survivor of sexual violence has had to endure a delinquent police investigation, a hostile FSU athletic department, and Mr. Winston's bullying lawyer," Clune said in the statement. "But the more these forces sought to silence her, the more determined she has become to step forward and hold Jameis Winston accountable for his actions."
Winston's attorney, David Cornwell, responded to the suit:
"This stunt was expected. Ms. Kinsman's false accusations have already been exposed and rejected six times. This time will be no different. Mr. Winston welcomes the opportunity to clear his name with the truth," Cornwell's statement read. "Mr. Winston is looking forward to the upcoming draft. He will not permit this ploy to distract him as he begins the journey of fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a championship quarterback in the National Football League."
Winston is considered the top quarterback prospect in the NFL draft, and is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning a national championship and a Heisman Trophy in two seasons as the Seminoles' starting quarterback. The NFL draft will begin on April 30 in Chicago, although Winston is not expected to be in attendance, as he has said he intends to stay home to be with his family.
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