The atmosphere around MaXXXine has been more tense in recent weeks—not because of the film’s unsettling cinematography or performance at the box office, but rather because of a lawsuit that background actor James Hunter filed. Mia Goth, Ti West, and A24 are all named in the lawsuit, which charges Goth with harassment and battery following what Hunter claims was an assault on the set during a night shoot in April. Claims that Goth purposefully kicked Hunter in the head and then followed him to a portable lavatory, where she made fun of him with extremely personal insults, are among the accusations, which are especially specific and intense.
Hunter claims that the incident happened when he was pretending to be a deceased parishioner. He was told to lie still on the ground while Goth’s character rushed past him, occasionally stepping over or close to his body, while he was covered in fake blood. Hunter claims that Goth almost made contact during the first few takes, which is why he brought up a safety concern with the second assistant director. On the next take, he says she kicked him in the head hard enough to create a concussion, which caused him to become so confused and dizzy that he had to stop his car twice on the way home, according to the lawsuit.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mia Gypsy Mello da Silva Goth |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1993 |
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | British-Brazilian |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Notable Works | Nymphomaniac, Suspiria, X, Pearl, MaXXXine |
| Legal Accusation | Battery, harassment, wrongful termination |
| Lawsuit Filed By | James Hunter (background actor) |
| Co-Defendants | Director Ti West, Studio A24 |
| Film Involved | MaXXXine (2024) |
| Reference Source |
Physical hurt is only one aspect of the legal lawsuit. It explores targeted humiliation in greater detail, according to Hunter. In a subsequent interview with Dread Central, he recalled that Goth was following him as he went to a portable restroom to collect himself. “No one will believe you because you’re nothing,” she allegedly remarked as she shoved open the stall door. You huge baby, get the fuck off my set. Hunter quickly jotted down the quote, which his lawyer claims adds credence to the charge. According to reports, Goth’s legal team has been presented with that comment during the pretrial phase.
Even though these allegations have not been validated in court, they are particularly disturbing in a film business that is already dealing with power disparities on set. Frequently viewed as disposable, background performers hardly ever criticize or sue directors or star actors. Hunter has brought attention to what many in the entertainment industry have been quietly acknowledging for years—that the least visible individuals on set are frequently the most vulnerable—by risking his career.
Goth has flatly denied all of the accusations through an A24 spokesman. The studio referred to the allegations as “simply not true” and reiterated their resolve to fiercely defend Goth and the production crew. It’s hardly unexpected that the studio is doubling down given Goth’s recent success in genre film, especially her twin roles in X and Pearl. She is considered one of the genre’s most promising performers and has received accolades for her emotionally unvarnished, immersive performances. However, it is now impossible to overlook the legal issues that cast a shadow over that guarantee.
The film’s director and co-defendant, Ti West, has remained silent, which further complicates the case. West has established a reputation for creative brilliance and is well-known for his painstaking horror vision and close-knit partnerships with performers. But according to legal experts, he has some responsibility for upholding professionalism and safety on-set because he is both a producer and director. If the case moves forward, it might investigate whether there was sufficient supervision during the contested period and whether any crew members supported Hunter’s story.
Larger industry concerns are also brought up by the complaint, mainly in relation to background actor protections and the procedures followed during emotionally charged movie productions. By introducing coordinators and consent training, the industry has significantly strengthened protections for intimate sequences in recent years. But not as much attention has been paid to physical safety in horror movies, when performers might be seen running, crawling, or becoming bled in a scene of simulated chaos. That blind spot is made disturbingly clear in Hunter’s account.
The claims in this case go beyond a single kick or a nasty comment. They stand for a practice of systematic disregard in which people without authority are disregarded before their opinions are even heard. There are probably dozens of others who suffer in silence for every James Hunter who comes forward out of fear of public incredulity or professional consequences. Given this, the case may turn out to be a turning point, comparable in scope to other high-profile disclosures that have called into question established business practices.
Opinions on social media have been widely divided in recent days. Goth followers have hurried to her defense, arguing that her extreme acting style is evidence of devotion rather than cruelty. However, other people think that Hunter’s thorough memory and prompt documentation point to legitimacy. Despite its well-known volatility, public opinion is increasingly influencing how lawsuits like these are received and whether or not institutions take them seriously.
The movie itself, MaXXXine, has been showing in theaters and opened with a respectable but modest $6.7 million. However, its marketing cycle has been muted, possibly on purpose. A24, which is typically skilled at creating viral campaigns around its horror films, has opted to keep quiet, merely issuing a brief formal rejection through the trade press. This constraint could be strategic—reducing more exposure—or it could be a reflection of uncertainty while legal teams consider the case’s potential course.
Hunter has sparked a legal and cultural discussion that goes much beyond a single movie by bringing this action. Productions must face difficult realities regarding the use of power and the handling—or lack thereof—of misconduct as they work harder to be inclusive and safe. The ethical debate has already started and has the potential to influence future industry behavior, even if it is still unclear whether Mia Goth will be found legally responsible.
