Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct victims reach $19m settlement

Deal reached to settle two sexual misconduct lawsuits filed by multiple women against jailed former Hollywood mogul.

The announced settlement, which lawyers representing six of the women called a 'complete sellout', still must be approved by a federal judge and a bankruptcy court [EPA]

An agreement has been reached to settle for nearly $19m in two sexual misconduct lawsuits on behalf of multiple women against imprisoned former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, attorneys said.

The settlement, which still must be approved by a federal judge and a bankruptcy court, would resolve a lawsuit filed against Weinstein, his production company and his brother in 2018 by the New York Attorney General's office.

"After all the harassment, threats, and discrimination, these survivors are finally receiving some semblance of justice," James said on Twitter.It would also bring an end to a separate class-action lawsuit brought in 2017 on behalf of nine women who accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault, New York Attorney General Letitia James said.

She said the deal would release the women from non-disclosure agreements that prevented them from speaking publicly about Weinstein, once one of Hollywood's most powerful men.

However, lawyers representing six of the women who made accusations against Weinstein called the proposed deal a "complete sellout" that did not require the 68-year-old former film producer to accept responsibility or pay out of his own pocket.

A fund will be created for the payout, with the money coming from insurance as part of a settlement resolving civil lawsuits, including a proposed class action against Weinstein.

Unfair and inequitable'

A lawyer who represented the class of women who brought the 2017 lawsuit, Whitney Siehl, said her clients are heroes who had "ignited a movement" by going public with their accusations.

Attorneys Douglas Wigdor and Kevin Mintzer said the settlement was "deeply unfair" to their clients and other women who would have no right to pursue claims against Weinstein and others in court.

"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," Wigdor and Mintzer said in a written statement.

Weinstein was found guilty in Manhattan criminal court in February of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping former aspiring actress Jessica Mann, convictions hailed as a victory for the Me Too movement, which raised the voice of women who experienced sexual harassment.

He was sentenced to the next day to 23 years in prison.

Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual misconduct stretching back decades by more than 100 women, still faces trial on rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles.