Harvey Weinstein victims awarded nearly $19M settlement, released from confidentiality agreements

A nearly $19 million settlement has been reached for the victims who experienced sexual abuse and harassment by disgraced former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, the New York Attorney General’s office announced late Tuesday.

“Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company failed their female employees. After all the harassment, threats, and discrimination, their victims are finally receiving some justice,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.

NEW: Mutiple women who were sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein have reached a $19 million settlement that if approved would also free them of signed confidentiality and non disclosure agreements, NY Attorney General says: pic.twitter.com/sXacT4A0KM
— Pervaiz Shallwani (@Pervaizistan) July 1, 2020

According to Variety, the class-action settlement totals $18.8 million and will resolve two separate lawsuits, including one against the now-imprisoned Weinstein and another against The Weinstein Co.

The settlement comes three months after Weinstein was sentenced to a 23-year sentence for the sexual assault of Miriam Haley, a former “Project Runway” production assistant, and the third-degree rape of former actress Jessica Mann, Variety reported.

Per the arrangement, a victims’ compensation fund will be created – pending approval by the bankruptcy and district courts – that will be distributed among “women who experienced a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination while working at The Weinstein Company, as well as sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein,” the attorney general’s office stated.

Should the payment be approved by the court, a victims’ fund will be created from the nearly $19M settlement, allowing all women who were abused by #HarveyWeinstein under certain circumstances to make claims for damages confidentially.
— Elizabeth Wagmeister (@EWagmeister) July 1, 2020

In addition, prosecutors confirmed the settlement releases victims from confidentiality, non-disclosure, or non-disparagement agreements with The Weinstein Company or any of the former representatives of the company related to any sexual misconduct by Weinstein, CNN reported.

“This agreement is a win for every woman who has experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or retaliation by her employer,” James said.

Cox Media Group