Slap for Harvey Weinstein. The judge responsible rejected the multi-million dollar settlement that would end many civil lawsuits.
New York judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected the $ 19 million settlement proposed by the prosecutor's office – including a compensation fund – between former US star producer Harvey Weinstein (68) and dozens of his victims on Tuesday .
According to a statement available to "The Hollywood Reporter", the judge at a hearing on Tuesday firstly doubted that the plaintiffs could be summarized in a comparison.
However, he is also said to have described the clause as "outrageous", which states that Harvey Weinstein would also have received money from the fund in order to be able to pay his defense lawyers in future lawsuits. This fund should also have been used to compensate women who have been victims of his sexual assault. Part of the agreement would also have been that Weinstein did not have to admit any mistakes.
"We will review the decision and determine the next steps," said a spokeswoman for New York Attorney General Leticia James. "Our office has worked tirelessly to give these courageous women the justice they deserve and will continue to do so."
Applicants welcome the decision
The applicants are apparently satisfied with the judge's decision. Douglas H. Wigdor, a lawyer representing several women, told CNN that he was pleased with the judge's decision and described the terms of the settlement as "unfair." "We have been saying for more than a year and a half that the comparison conditions were unfair and that survivors of sexual assault should never be forced on them," continued Wigdor. She was surprised that the Attorney General did not recognize this fact. "But we are glad that Judge Hellerstein quickly rejected the unilateral proposal."
The settlement would have resolved almost all civil lawsuits against the producer, his company, and several of his directors.
Ex-film mogul sentenced to 23 years in prison
The former film mogul is currently serving a 23-year sentence in New York after being convicted in March 2020 of multiple rapes and sexual assault. Another sexual violence charge is underway in Los Angeles and could result in another prison sentence. Weinstein still contests the offenses. More than 80 women accuse Harvey Weinstein of falling victim to sexual assault.