The state of New York sued disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and his company following more than a hundred reports of sexual misconduct and several former assistants claiming that Weinstein expected them to facilitate his sexual escapades.
State prosecutors claimed the Sunday lawsuit was aimed at stopping the impending sale of The Weinstein Company out of fear that alleged victims would lose their chance at being compensated, NBC News reported. The suit claims Weinstein sexually harassed and discriminated against women and other executives at the company allowed it to happen. Weinstein is currently under investigation by both U.S. and U.K. police for more than 100 reports of sexual misconduct.
“While Mr. Weinstein’s behavior was not without fault, there certainly was no criminality, and at the end of the inquiry it will be clear that Harvey Weinstein promoted more women to key executive positions than any other industry leader,” Weinstein’s attorney Ben Brafman said in a statement. “If the purpose of the inquiry is to encourage reform throughout the film industry, Mr Weinstein will embrace the investigation. If the purpose however is to scapegoat Mr. Weinstein, he will vigorously defend himself.”
The company’s board of directors issued a response to the Wall St. Journal, claiming the lawsuit is unnecessary.
RELATED: Artist Trolls Meryl Streep
“We are disappointed that the New York Attorney General felt it necessary to file today’s complaint,” the board said in a statement. “Many of the allegations relating to the Board are inaccurate and the Board looks forward to bringing the facts to light as part of its ongoing commitment to resolve this difficult situation in the most appropriate way.”
The lawsuit represents the culmination of a four-month investigation by NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Police have been unable to uncover actionable charges, however, as the statute of limitations has expired for the alleged crimes.
Send Tips: anders@dailycallernewsfoundation.org
The Daily Caller News Foundation is working hard to balance out the biased American media. For as little as $3, you can help us. Make a one-time donation to support the quality, independent journalism of TheDCNF. We’re not dependent on commercial or political support and we do not accept any government funding.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
