Criticism mounts of Harvey Weinstein settlement deal: 'Most one-sided and unfair settlement in history'
NEW YORK — A proposed $18.9 million settlement to compensate victims of Harvey Weinstein faced more criticism Monday ahead of a key court hearing.
Doug Wigdor, an attorney for six Weinstein accusers, called the deal “if approved, one of the most one-sided and unfair class settlements in history.”
Manhattan Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein will hold a hearing Tuesday on whether to approve the deal announced by Attorney General Letitia James, which resolves a 2018 suit filed by her office against The Weinstein Co., Harvey and Robert Weinstein and a class action suit brought by the producer’s sexual assault victims.
A handful of accusers have opted out of the proposed settlement, in part because insurers will cover the bill rather than Weinstein himself. The fallen Hollywood power player is serving a 23-year prison sentence for rape. Weinstein claims he is broke.
“The practical reality is that those who opt out of the settlement face an uncertain financial recovery, with The Weinstein Company bankrupt, and Mr. Weinstein defending legal matters, facing debt and judgments, frozen assets, marital and child support obligations, and a line of creditors looking for compensation,” Weinstein attorney Imran Ansari said. “Mr. Weinstein’s current and future financial state is far from healthy, not only has his personal liberty been taken from him, but his financial liberty as well.”
Elizabeth Fegan, an attorney for women who will accept the settlement, said “it is unlikely his victims could achieve more.”
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