Producer ordered to pay $3M in harassment suit

Film producer Jon Peters reaches out to touch his newly unveiled star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during ceremonies in Hollywood in this May 1, 2007 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles jury has ordered film producer Jon Peters to pay his former assistant more than $3 million after finding she was subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

The jury on Friday awarded Shelly Morita $822,000 in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages.

City News Service reports that Peters' attorneys plan to appeal the verdict.

Morita sued Peters five years ago, alleging he fondled her at his Malibu home and climbed into bed with her in an Australian hotel during the 2005 filming of "Superman Returns." She claimed that she couldn't find work in Hollywood after suing Peters because of his pull in the industry.

Peters produced several acclaimed films, including "A Star Is Born," "Flashdance," "The Color Purple," "Batman" and "Rain Man."