'Broken system': Weinstein reaches $US25m settlement deal with more than 30 women

‘Broken system’: Harvey Weinstein reaches $US25m settlement deal with more than 30 women

weinstein
Time’s Up has declared Harvey Weinstein’s massive settlement on his civil cases proof of a “broken system that privileges powerful abusors.”

The disgraced movie mogul has reached a US$25 million settlement with a number of women who accused him of sexual misconduct, bringing to a close almost all civil lawsuits filed against him since 2017. He still faces a seperate criminal charges over multiple accusations of sexual assault, due to be heard in January.

The news has come from his attorneys, with a US Bankruptcy Court judge still yet to formally seal the deal. Under the terms of the deal, Weinstein won’t have to admit to any wrongdoing. Nor will he personally have to pay a cent, according to the New York Times which has reported the settlement.

The deal with see a total $US32 million going to his accusers as well as to former Weinstein Co employees and unsecured creditors. Another $US12.5 million will be allocated to pay the legal fees of studio directors and offices, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

The New York Times reports the US$25 million figure would be shared by “more than 30 actresses and former Weinstein employees” who have accused Weinstein of offences that range from rape to sexual harassment. The most serious claims will receive US$500,000.

“This settlement is more than a math problem — it’s a symptom of a problematic, broken system that privileges powerful abusers at the expense of survivors,” Time’s Up chief operating officer Rebecca Goldman said.

“While this settlement is flawed, we know it represents the hard work of several survivors of Harvey Weinstein. We hope it brings them, and perhaps others, some small measure of justice and relief that is long overdue. Today and every day, Time’s Up is in solidarity with the more than 80 survivors who bravely spoke out against Weinstein, catalyzing a worldwide reckoning for justice. With them, we will continue to fight until sexual harassment and assault at work are gone for good.”

Variety reports that at least four plaintiffs are not included in this settlement and are continuing to pursue Weinstein’s personal assets.

The bill will be paid by insurance companies that represent Weinstein’s former studio the Weinstein Company, according to The New York times.

One survivor, Actor Katherine Kendall, has told The Times, “I don’t love it, but I don’t know how to go after him. I don’t know what I can really do.”

Another survivor Zoe Brock said agreeing to the settlement terms made her feel “sick and defeated and hopeless.”

Weinstein will face trial on the charges of sexual assault in January. His bail was raised on Wednesday after he was found to have mishandled his ankle monitor.

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