Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been fired from the Weinstein Company over allegations that he sexually harassed multiple female employees and actresses over a time span of nearly 30 years. A New York Times investigation documented the allegations through interviews with current and former employees, emails and internal documents from his businesses, and legal records. The allegations include cases of sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact and were settled with the women in at least eight cases.
Through his work in Hollywood, Weinstein has won six best-picture Oscars and his public persona is that of a supporter of liberal causes and champion of women. He helped to endow a Rutgers University faculty chair named for Gloria Steinem and held fund raisers for Hilary Clinton. He has also been the recipient of humanitarian awards. But female employees inside his companies said that they had to protect each other by going into his office in pairs to make sure they were never alone with him, and wearing parkas to fend off his advances.
Power and Leverage
Many of the women who were harassed by Weinstein were young actresses eager to make a name for themselves in Hollywood. Typically, they were invited to hotels for meetings and because of his power and influence they accepted Weinstein’s invitations hoping to be considered for scripts and parts. Even established actresses like Ashley Judd showed up for a meeting at a hotel thinking she could not afford to turn down him down. When Weinstein asked her to come up to his room for breakfast instead of coming down to meet her in the hotel restaurant, she purposely ordered cereal so that she would not have to wait long for her food. The inappropriate advances and requests that followed match the same pattern of harassment endured by many others that the Times investigation revealed.
Contrition and Attack
As the news broke and Weinstein alternately apologized for his behavior and then threatened to sue the New York Times, one-third of the board resigned from the Weinstein Company. Weinstein said he knew that his actions had “caused pain” and was planning to get help. Forty-two percent of the Weinstein Company is owned by Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob Weinstein. It is not clear what will happen to the shares belonging to Harvey Weinstein now that he has been fired.
Monmouth County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Seek Compensation for Harassment Victims
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of gender discrimination and is prohibited by federal and state law. If you have experienced sexual harassment or a hostile work environment, contact McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. to discuss your legal options with an experienced Monmouth County sexual harassment lawyer. Our dedicated and compassionate team will fight to make sure you are compensated fairly. Call 732-842-6500 today or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation about your case.
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