New York maid hits Strauss-Kahn with civil lawsuit

New York: Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted a housekeeper in a "violent and sadistic attack" in his hotel suite in Manhattan in May, a civil lawsuit filed on Monday alleges.

The lawsuit repeats the version of events the woman who accuses him, Nafissatou Diallo, has told since she revealed her identity in media interviews in late July.

She says a naked Strauss-Kahn emerged from the bathroom in his $3,000-a-night suite at the Sofitel Hotel on May 14 and forced her to perform oral sex.

"Believing he was immune from the laws of this country, defendant Strauss-Kahn intentionally, brutally and violently sexually assaulted Ms Diallo and in the process humiliated, degraded, violated and robbed Ms Diallo of her dignity as a woman," according to the the complaint.

Strauss-Kahn, 62, has denied the allegations and his lawyers have said any sexual encounter was consensual. He resigned as chief of the International Monetary Fund a few days after his arrest in May.

The civil lawsuit, which does not seek specific damages, says Diallo will give evidence that the man once considered a leading contender for the French presidency harassed and assaulted other women in the past. It was filed in the Bronx where the illiterate 32-year-old mother lives.

The criminal case against Strauss-Kahn has wavered for weeks since prosecutors revealed Diallo lied about her past and her actions immediately after the incident.

Strauss-Kahn's next criminal court date is Aug. 23.

Media glare

With Diallo's credibility in doubt, prosecutors continue to investigate the criminal case against Strauss-Kahn as they consider whether to press ahead with charges or drop the case.

Her lawyers have told reporters for weeks she would bring a civil case against him.

It says the assault "left Ms. Diallo's life and her young daughter's life in shambles." It alleges physical, emotional and psychological injuries and seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorneys' fees.

Accusers in such cases often hide from the media glare until the criminal case is over. Many media outlets, including Reuters, protect their identities by not revealing their names.

But Diallo, the daughter of an imam from Guinea, broke her silence in July, revealing her identity in interviews to Newsweek and ABC News.

With the criminal case at risk, Diallo, known as "Nafi" to friends, then took the unusual step of holding a press conference.

Her lawyer said she come forward to defend her reputation, particularly after the New York Post reported she had worked as a prostitute. She has filed a lawsuit against the newspaper for libel.

The civil lawsuit against Strauss-Kahn only adds to the drama that has captivated people on both sides of the Atlantic with its lurid details and political fallout.

Strauss-Kahn's lawyers have called on Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. to dismiss the case, while women's and immigrant advocates have urged him to press forward.

Strauss-Kahn was released from house arrest after the revelations about Diallo's credibility but is barred from leaving the United States.