In a courageous move, Ashley Johnson, known for her role in ‘The Last of Us,’ has joined forces with six other women, including her sister, to file a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, Brian Foster. The lawsuit alleges a disturbing pattern of physical and sexual violence, as well as mental and emotional abuse spanning over a decade.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, outlines a range of serious accusations, including domestic violence, sexual battery, assault, stalking, civil rights violations, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It sheds light on Foster’s alleged chronic abuse of drugs and alcohol, which the plaintiffs claim fueled his disturbing behavior toward women.
Ashley Johnson, who voiced the protagonist Ellie in ‘The Last of Us,’ states that Foster threatened to extort her by revealing personal information unless she paid him $150,000. The lawsuit also details instances of physical intimidation, such as punching through glass, throwing objects, and screaming obscenities in her face. These actions left the actress living under constant duress for years.
Their relationship began in 2012, with Foster moving into Johnson’s apartment. Over time, his aggressive behavior and substance abuse escalated. The lawsuit asserts that Foster continued his troubling conduct even after their breakup in 2023, carrying a black duffel bag and an ammo case containing modified airsoft guns and a strangulation device, causing Johnson to fear for her safety.
The lawsuit also involves allegations of Foster commandeering Johnson’s home security cameras and microphones to monitor her, violating an emergency protective order. Johnson’s sister, Haylie Langseth, another plaintiff, accuses Foster of making wildly inappropriate and unwanted sexual comments and groping her in front of her children and sister. The suit suggests that Foster created an environment of fear, making Langseth believe that reporting him would lead to more harm to Johnson.
The complaint reveals that Foster’s alleged harassment and groping extended to other women, including colleagues at Critical Role, where he used his position and “celebrity” status to gain access to his alleged victims.
Foster had been part of Critical Role, known for its Dungeons & Dragons-themed content, and hosted online talk shows, including Talks Machina. However, he was reportedly fired from the company in August 2021 for various reasons, including attacking critics of the show on social media.
A spokesperson for Critical Role expressed shock at the allegations and stated their commitment to support the victims. They emphasized that they had no prior knowledge of Foster’s alleged behavior.
The lawsuit aims to address the abuse suffered by the seven plaintiffs and to prevent others from falling victim to Foster’s alleged pattern of abuse. It paints a chilling picture of manipulation, intimidation, and exploitation.
This brave legal action highlights the importance of speaking out against abuse and seeking justice. Domestic violence is a serious issue, and those experiencing it can seek help from organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org, available 24/7 in multiple languages.