The maid who accuses former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault has filed a civil lawsuit that alleges a “violent and sadistic” attack took place in his luxury New York hotel room in May.

Filed Monday, the 17-page document alleges that Strauss-Kahn intentionally, brutally and violently sexually assaulted Nafissatou Diallo, and in the process humiliated, degraded, violated and robbed her of her dignity as a woman. The suit seeks unspecified damages.

Strauss-Kahn's lawyers say the suit has no merit and that their client will fight it vigorously.

Last month, Diallo went public in media interviews, saying she wants justice and for Strauss-Kahn to go to jail. Diallo agreed to interviews with Newsweek magazine and ABC television, weeks after prosecutors said they doubted her credibility.

Charges are still pending against Strauss-Kahn, who was arrested in May, but his lawyers say the interviews are an attempt by Diallo to sway public opinion and extract money.

Strauss-Kahn has repeatedly denied the charges against him. He is due back in criminal court August 23.

The former IMF head has been freed from house arrest but is barred from leaving the United States.

Strauss-Kahn's arrest led to his resignation as IMF chief, and former French finance minister Christine Lagarde was chosen to succeed him.

Before his arrest, Strauss-Kahn was considered a top contender to run as the Socialist Party candidate against French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012.