The New York State Public Prosecutor has reached an agreement on damages of $ 18.8 million (approximately $ 17 million) for multiple women accusing former film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual abuse, state prosecutor reports on Twitter on Wednesday . However, the lawyers of six of the women are dissatisfied with the proposed settlement.
“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.” (7/7) #HarveyWeinstein
— WigdorLaw (@WigdorLaw) July 1, 2020
“After all that being harassed, threatened and discriminated against, these survivors are finally getting justice,” prosecutor Laetitia James said of the settlement she reached. James also reports that the shut-up clauses allegedly signed by some alleged Weinstein victims no longer apply through the agreement.
The lawyers of six of the women involved call the settlement “very unfair”. “We are shocked that the prosecution is running a round of victory for this unfair proposal and will be firmly protesting it in court,” said Douglas Wigdor and Kevin Mintzer. The counsel especially has difficulties with the settlement that Weinstein would not take responsibility for his actions and that he would not have to pay compensation out of pocket.
#BREAKING: We helped secure $19 million for survivors of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse and harassment.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) July 1, 2020
Women who were forced to sign confidentiality agreements will also be freed from those clauses and finally be able to speak.
In March, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape in New York and subsequently charged other women with him for sexual crimes. A case is also pending in Los Angeles against the 68-year-old former film producer.
