Sexual Abuse Survivors Of Harvey Weinstein Finally Win Settlement Of $19 Million

In 2018, sexual abuse survivors of the disgraced Hollywood mogul, Harvey Weinstein had filed a lawsuit via New York Attorney General's office against Weinstein, his brother Robert, and their companies. The Attorney General's office has finally awarded them a settlement of nearly $19 million.

"Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company failed their female employees. After all the harassment, threats, and discrimination, their victims are finally receiving some justice," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.

With the given settlement of $18,875,000 a victims' compensation fund will be created for the "women who experienced a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination while working at The Weinstein Company, as well as sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein," the attorney general's office said.

The settlement also includes the release of the survivors from all confidentiality, non-disclosure, or non-disparagement agreements they have had with the Weinstein Company or any of its representatives concerning Weinstein’s sexual misconduct. Thus, now they won’t have to be worried about legal action against them if they ever want to share their stories.

The agreement now awaits approval by the district court and the bankruptcy court currently presiding over The Weinstein Company's bankruptcy case.

But Douglas H. Wigdor and Kevin Mintzer, attorneys for many Harvey Weinstein victims, are not happy with the settlement and find it unfair.

"The proposed settlement is a complete sellout of the Weinstein survivors and we are surprised that the Attorney General could somehow boast about a proposal that fails on so many different levels," the attorneys said in a statement.

“First, Harvey Weinstein accepts no responsibility for his actions. Second, Harvey Weinstein isn’t paying any money toward the settlement despite now having been found guilty in Manhattan criminal court. Third, the director defendants, who we allege had knowledge of Weinstein’s behavior, will be receiving millions of dollars to reimburse their defense costs. Fourth, if this settlement were approved by the courts, survivors who do not wish to participate in the settlement but would prefer instead to hold Harvey Weinstein accountable, will be unable to pursue the multi-billion dollar insurance companies and the directors because they will receive legal releases. And Fifth, the class action lawyers will be seeking millions of dollars in fees for an objectively unsuccessful result.”

"We are completely astounded that the Attorney General is taking a victory lap for this unfair and inequitable proposal, and on behalf of our clients, we will be vigorously objecting in court," they added.