Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Paul Haggis has settled a long-running civil rape case with his former publicist, Haleigh Breest, for nearly $2 million. The settlement, reached on January 5, 2026, brings an end to a contentious legal battle that began with Breest's lawsuit in late 2017.
Breest accused Haggis of raping her in his New York apartment in January 2013 after he offered her a ride home from a screening after-party. She alleged that Haggis subjected her to unwanted advances and forced her to perform oral sex and raped her, despite her repeated refusals. Haggis maintained that the encounter was consensual, describing Breest as flirtatious and claiming she initiated the sexual acts. He also suggested the allegations were part of a Scientology plot against him and that Breest was seeking a financial windfall.
In 2022, a civil jury in New York sided with Breest, finding Haggis liable for forcing sex on her. The jury awarded Breest $7.5 million in damages to compensate for suffering and recommended additional punitive damages. However, the recent settlement for $2 million resolves all disputes between the two parties, without Haggis admitting any wrongdoing.
The case garnered significant attention due to Haggis's prominent status in Hollywood. Haggis is known for writing and directing critically acclaimed films such as "Crash" and "Million Dollar Baby". The accusations against him surfaced amidst the #MeToo movement, adding further scrutiny to the case. Following the civil trial verdict, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled Haggis. He became only the sixth person to be expelled in the Academy's 94-year history, joining the ranks of Carmine Caridi, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski, and Adam Kimmel.
During the trial, four other women testified about their experiences with Haggis, alleging forceful, unwelcome advances and, in one instance, rape, in separate encounters dating back to 1996. While none of these women pursued legal action, their testimonies contributed to the portrayal of Haggis as someone who would not stop such behavior. Haggis's legal team attempted to discredit the accusers. Breest stated that she was motivated to sue Haggis after being angered by his public condemnations of Harvey Weinstein, feeling that Haggis was presenting himself as a champion of women while allegedly being a perpetrator himself.
The settlement concludes the civil case, but it leaves lingering questions about accountability and justice. While the court process has ended, the public conversation surrounding the allegations and their impact continues.
