Basmah Qazi
Legal

No guilt, no liability: Stunning details of the massive Harvey Weinstein settlements

Disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein has come to an agreement with his several accusers that does not require an admission of guilt.

After a two-year legal battle, Weinstein has agreed to a $US25 million settlement with over 30 actresses and former Weinstein employees, who in lawsuits have accused him of multiple offences ranging from sexual harassment to rape.

The 67-year-old will not be paying out the settlement from his own pocket, but rather, his insurance companies representing his former company, the Weinstein Company, will be responsible for handing over the large sum.

The company is currently in the middle of bankruptcy proceedings.

The deal, which requires court approval and a final sign-off by all parties, marks the end of almost every lawsuit filed against the former Hollywood heavyweight.

He is still scheduled to go to trial in New York in early January on charges of sexual assault involving two women, claims he denies.

Speaking to the New York Times, Katherine Kendall, an actress who said Weinstein chased her around his New York apartment naked in 1993 after she was under the impression that she was meeting him for a work chat, said she only agreed to the terms because she didn’t want to block fellow plaintiffs from getting whatever recompense they could.

“I don’t love it, but I don’t know how to go after him,” she said. “I don’t know what I can really do.”

On Wednesday, Weinstein’s bail was increased from $1 million to $5 million, over allegations he violated his bail conditions by mishandling his electronic ankle monitor.

Tags:
Harvey Wei, Legal, Settlement, Hollywood