NEW YORK- New York prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against the Weinsten Company, alleging that the studio failed to protect staff from Harvey Weinstein. The film producer is facing dozens of allegations of sexual abuse, including rape, but denies non-consensual sex.
In the lawsuit, it is alleged that Mr Weinsten abused female employees and made verbal threats to kill staff members. A lawyer for Weinsten said a “fair investigation” would show that many of the allegations were without merit.
The Weinstein Company has not made any comments yet.
On Sunday, New York General Eric Scheiderman said that he filed the suit against the Weinstein Company, as well as Mr Weinstein and his brother Robert, who co-founded the studio. In the suit he is seeking an unspecified sum to cover damages, plus penalties, for victims of alleged abuse by Harvey Weinstein, 65.
Photo Credit- Variety Magazine. Co Founder Bob Weinstein and his brother Harvey Weinstein founder of Weinstein Company.
Mr Weinstein’s lawyer Ben Brafman, said in response that his client’s behaviour “was not without fault”, there was “no criminality”.
“At the end of the inquiry it will be clear that Harvey Weinstein promoted more women to key executive positions than any other industry leader and there was zero discrimination at either Miramax or [the Weinstein Company],” Brafman said.
The suit cast doubt over the sale of the Weinstein Company. It’s reported that businesswoman Maria Contreras-Sweet has led talks to buy the studio for $500-million, but after news of the suit emerged, negotiations are now said to be on hold.
Photo Credit- Daily Mail
Leave a Reply