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A federal judge Tuesday rejected a proposed global settlement against Harvey Weinstein over concerns that his accusers’ claims are too disparate for a class action. “Women who have been raped are entitled to a much greater recovery than women who just met Harvey Weinstein,” ruled U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein during a hearing in Manhattan …
A federal judge Tuesday rejected a proposed global settlement against Harvey Weinstein over concerns that his accusers’ claims are too disparate for a class action.
“Women who have been raped are entitled to a much greater recovery than women who just met Harvey Weinstein,” ruled U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein during a hearing in Manhattan federal court Tuesday. “[The] settlement would create an equality among those people.”
The class action groups together staffers who were harassed by the former Miramax boss but not sexually molested — and women who’ve accused Weinstein of sexual assault and rape.
The judge’s decision comes after more than seven women objected to the proposed settlement that was touted last month by New York state Attorney General Letitia Janes, whose office helped negotiate it.
The deal earmarked about $19 million, minus attorneys’ fees, for the victims. Lawyer Douglas Wigdor, who represents six women who objected to the settlement, had called it one-sided and unfair.
“[We] are pleased that Judge Hellerstein swiftly rejected the one-sided proposal,” Wigdor said of the deal that had been in the works for 18 months. “On behalf of our clients, we look forward to pursuing justice against Harvey Weinstein and his many enablers.”
Wigdor had argued in court papers that the settlement would have paid out a paltry $10,000 to $20,000 to a majority of the victims — while protecting Weinstein, his brother Robert Weinstein and The Weinstein Company shareholders.
The disgraced movie mogul was sentenced in March to 23 years in prison after a Manhattan jury convicted him of rape and other charges.
More than 100 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.
