Cuba Gooding Jr.'s lawyers beg for judge to drop sex abuse case: report
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A lawyer for Cuba Gooding Jr. begged a judge on Wednesday to dismiss sexual abuse and forcible touching charges against the star, saying his “life has been put on hold” as a result.
Mark Heller pressed Manhattan criminal court Judge Keshia Espinal to rule on his motion to dismiss, which claims the 30-year-old woman’s allegations that Gooding grabbed her breast are bogus.
“Mr. Gooding’s life has been put on hold, it’s on the pause button … substantially impacting him financially and professionally,” Heller argued.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CUBA GOODING JR. DENIES ASSAULTING SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY
But the judge said he would reserve ruling on the motion until prosecutors have had a chance to respond. She’ll rule August 14 — when Gooding is next due in court.
Gooding, 51, arrived at court in an all-black ensemble and sunglasses and smiled at the throng of reporters as he walked into the courtroom for the 30-minute hearing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Asked outside the courthouse whether he was confident the case would be dismissed, Gooding responded, “Yes.”
He then acknowledged the “beautiful weather” and noted that “God is good.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fans, meanwhile, shouted words of encouragement.
“You’re making great movies, Cuba!” one said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In court papers, Heller accused the alleged victim of having “certain mental characteristics” that make her likely to falsely accuse someone famous.
The Oscar-winning actor was arrested earlier this month for allegedly groping the woman at the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge in Midtown.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This article originally appeared on Page Six.