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Jameis Winston accuser goes public

College Football, NFL Draft, Florida State Seminoles

The woman who accused Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston of sexually assaulting her in December 2012 has spoken publicly for the first time about the case.

In a new documentary film, Erica Kinsman came forward publicly with her specifics about the alleged sexual attack by Winston and allowed herself to be identified and filmed.

Her account is one of several testimonies from alleged victims of sexual abuse on college campuses to be featured as part of "The Hunting Ground," which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The paper said she decided to go public in the film, to be aired on CNN and released in theaters, to share her side of what allegedly happened between her and Winston as well as tell her story in the context of heightening awareness of rape and harassment on campuses.

ESPN generally does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault unless they choose to be identified or agree to tell their story, as Kinsman did.

The sexual encounter between Winston and Kinsman happened on Dec. 7, 2012. Winston's attorney has said more than once that the sex was consensual. No charges were filed against Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner.

Earlier in January, Kinsman filed a civil lawsuit against Florida State's board of trustees, claiming FSU had knowledge of her alleged sexual harassment and discrimination by Winston, and that it created a hostile educational environment for her. The lawsuit was filed the same day Winston declared for the upcoming NFL draft.

The suit says the university had an unreasonable response to her allegations. It seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages.

Winston was cleared of wrongdoing by FSU following a two-day hearing last month to determine whether he violated sections of the student conduct code. A Florida prosecutor made a similar decision last year.

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