Well, we were all right finally have some answers regarding the sexual assault trial that has plagued former Southern Charm star, Thomas Ravenel. In September 2018, Thomas was arrested. He was charged with assault and battery in the second degree. The charge stems from an incident that took place in January of 2015. While Thomas has faced other allegations of assault, this particular time it centered around the nanny of Thomas and Kathryn Dennis’ two children.
The victim accused Thomas of some truly heinous acts including, but not limited to, moderate bodily injury and touching her private parts and/or threatening to injure the victim. Since the assault, Thomas has bided his time with a custody fight for the children he shares with Kathryn. Thomas was finally able to address the sexual assault charges against him in September 2019. Apparently, we live in a society where a man can admit forced violation of a woman and walk by paying a fee less than someone’s monthly rent. Thomas entered a guilty plea and paid a $500 fine. If you have been scratching your head, wondering how in the hell this can happen, we have some details.
Thomas’ victim, known as Nanny Dawn, detailed her feelings after Thomas’ arrest. She said at the time her family had been subjected to criticism and threats after she came forward. Dawn shared, “I wanted him to hear what he has done to me, but I’m not the only victim here.”
Recently, Thomas pled guilty to third-degree assault and battery. Nanny Dawn did not attend the hearing, but sent a letter for the judge to read in front of Thomas. Records show Thomas agreed with the facts outlined in the letter. In a previous statement to the judge, Thomas said, “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.” So grabbing someone’s arm is wrong, but no apology for allegedly shoving his penis in Dawn’s face. His punishment was an immediate suspended 30-day sentence in jail, and paying a fee of $500. If you were like me and read about it with a giant WTF look on your face, here are some facts that may clear it up.
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According to court documents obtained by The Blast, T-Rav and Nanny Dawn hashed out a confidential deal in July 2019. The deal stated Dawn “will not accept any monetary payment personally from Defendant Ravenel.” Instead, “Ravenel 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.” Let’s hope he doesn’t try to use this as a tax write-off.
In addition to the donation, Thomas will pay $45,000 to cover Dawn’s legal bills. Per the deal, the civil lawsuit against Thomas would be dropped. Also, both Dawn and Thomas had to issue public statements. While Dawn has dismissed all claims against Thomas, she has an existing suit with Bravo that will continue. She feels the network and producers “should be partly liable for damages due to her belief they failed to provide adequate security to her and other persons who appeared on Southern Charm“. Dawn claimed she advised Bravo about the assault and they neglected to investigate. She sued seeking unspecified damages.
RELATED: Thomas Ravenel Pleads Guilty To Assault; Gets $500 Fine & Avoids Jail
Thomas was fired no longer appears on Southern Charm and now shares 50/50 custody of his children with Kathryn. While this sexual assault case is over, the lawsuit Dawn has with Bravo remains active.
TELL US- ARE YOU SURPRISED THOMAS DIDN’T GO TO JAIL? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT? DO YOU THINK HE SHOULD HAVE FACED A MORE HARSH PUNISHMENT?
[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images]
