Thomas Ravenel is putting an end to the sexual assault lawsuit brought against him by his former nanny, Dawn, by forking over a huge chunk of cash. However, none of that money went personally to Dawn.
According to a new report, the former Southern Charm cast member came to an agreement with Dawn in court in July that required him to make a large payment to a non-profit organization, and also to cover Dawn’s legal costs.
In court documents obtained by The Blast on October 8, it was revealed that Dawn “will not accept any monetary payment personally from Defendant Ravenel.” Instead, Thomas “will make a payment and donation to the 501 (c) non-profit organization People Against Rape in the name of Plaintiff Dawn Ledwell of the total sum of $80,000.”
Thomas is also required, per the deal, to pay $45,000 for Dawn’s legal expenses.
Once the requirements are fulfilled, per the deal, Dawn’s sexual assault lawsuit against Thomas will be thrown out.
Dawn sued Thomas last year, claiming her former employer assaulted her at his home in 2015. In her case against him, Dawn also named Bravo TV and the producers of Southern Charm, claiming the network and its producers created and encouraged storylines based around alcohol, sex, and the concept that “that male cast members, including Defendant Ravenel, suffer from ‘Peter Pan Syndrome’ and they are the ‘Lost Boys’ and Charleston is their ‘Neverland.’”
According to Dawn, she informed Bravo TV about what occurred between her and Thomas but they allegedly did nothing.
In response, the network and producers demanded they be removed from the case, claiming that when Dawn signed on to appear on Southern Charm, she gave up her right to take legal action against them.
While Dawn’s case against Thomas will be dropped once the settlement terms are met, her case against Bravo TV and the producers is ongoing.
After being sentenced to a 30-day suspended sentence and a $500 fine following a guilty plea, Thomas offered a statement to the judge on his case.
“Your honor, on the night of the incident I did attempt to kiss her and in so doing I grabbed her arm and that was wrong, and I am much appreciative of the opportunity to apologize to her in court today,” he said.
Southern Charm season seven will air on Bravo TV sometime next year.
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