As a result of a class action lawsuit by the New York state attorney general’s office against the Weinstein Company, women who were sexually abused or harassed by Harvey Weinstein while working at his production company will receive part of a $19 million settlement payment.
The deal still needs to be approved by the district court presiding over the case, but according to a press release from New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office, former Weinstein Company employees who “experienced a hostile work environment, sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination” during their time at the company are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement.
“Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company failed their female employees,” James said in a statement. “After all the harassment, threats, and discrimination, these survivors are finally receiving some justice.”
However, Douglas Wigdor, an attorney representing six women who used to work for Weinstein, called the settlement “a complete sellout” because Weinstein “accepts no responsibility for his actions” and will not be paying any of his own money toward the fund. “We are surprised that the Attorney General could somehow boast about a proposal that fails on so many different levels,” Wigdor said.
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