Weinstein sues company he founded after sexual harassment allegations

Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is suing the production company he founded in a bid to gather information to defend himself against sexual harassment allegations.

Harvey Weinstein

Harvery Weinstein is suing The Weinstein Co as he seeks information to help defend himself against sexual assault allegations. Source: AAP

The Weinstein Co film company is being sued by its founder and former co-chairman Harvey Weinstein who is seeking information to help defend himself against sexual assault allegations.

In the lawsuit filed in Delaware's Court of Chancery, Weinstein said he needed the information to prevent the company, in which he and his brother remain the largest investors, from being harmed by unjustified legal settlements.

The Weinstein Co has been one of Hollywood's most influential forces since its launch in October 2005 and has produced and distributed films - including The King's Speech and Silver Linings Playbook.

The New York Times reported earlier this month Weinstein, 65, had reached eight previously undisclosed settlements with women who accused him of sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact.
The New Yorker magazine reported 13 women had claimed Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them.

On Tuesday, an actress who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her filed a negligence lawsuit against the company, saying it was aware the Hollywood heavyweight had previously settled other allegations and should not have let her meet privately with the movie producer in a hotel room.

The New York City Police Department has said it is investigating an allegation of sexual assault by Weinstein in 2004.

The Los Angeles Police Department also said earlier this month it was investigating a 2013 allegation.

Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the allegations.

In Thursday's lawsuit, Weinstein said he also wants to investigate whether confidential information was leaked to the press if the Weinstein Company's board and executives wrongly terminated him as chief executive and if the board is pursuing a "fire sale" of the company, according to the complaint and attached exhibits.

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2 min read
Published 27 October 2017 6:30am
Updated 27 October 2017 7:08am


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