Six Women Join Class Action Lawsuit Against Harvey Weinstein

A group of women who have accused Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual abuse and harassment have filed a class action lawsuit against the producer, his company Miramax and their board members for what they alleged is organized criminal behavior to cover up Weinstein’s actions for years. According to a CNN Money news report, the women filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of New York saying they are serving as a proxy for hundreds of other women in the entertainment industry who suffered assault and harassment in the hands of Weinstein.

The plaintiffs in a joint statement called Weinstein “a predator” and alleged that his brother, Bob, lawyers and the company’s board knew about his behavior, but did nothing to stop it. The women said the defendants colluded together to perpetuate Weinstein’s widespread sexual harassment and assaults. The women provided details of Weinstein’s alleged harassment and assault before proceeding to cite what they refer to as “racketeering” in order to cover up his misdeeds. Weinstein has denied instances of non-consensual sex and insisted that he has never retaliated against anyone.

Explosion of Sexual Harassment Allegations

The allegations of sexual harassment and abuse made by numerous women, many of them famous Hollywood actresses and celebrities, against Harvey Weinstein, has touched off a tornado of allegations against other men, from actors and directors in Hollywood to politicians in Washington D.C. and political candidates such as Roy Moore in Alabama who is running for a U.S. Senate seat. While many of these allegations may not be strong enough to merit criminal prosecution, women may still be able to hold these perpetrators accountable by filing a class action lawsuit, as these six women have against Weinstein.

Effects of Sexual Harassment and Abuse

Sexual harassment is an under-recognized workplace hazard. Nearly 75 percent of women have experienced some type of sexual harassment in the workplace, studies show. When a harasser creates a hostile work environment, the harassed person feels intimidated or uncomfortable and is unable to perform her job well. Victims of sexual harassment may experience strained relationships in the workplace and are also at risk for serious health problems including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), high blood pressure, sleep problems, suicidal ideation and even neck pain.

If you have been sexually harassed at work or in other situations, please be sure to get the help you need to cope with the psychological and physical effects of such a traumatic experience. If you are looking to pursue your legal rights, an experienced class action lawyer may be able to help you.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2017/12/06/media/weinstein-class-action/index.html