Harvey Weinstein has filed a lawsuit against his brother, Bob Weinstein, along with another high-ranking officer at The Weinstein Company, accusing them of fraud and conspiracy aimed at ousting him from the company. The legal action, initiated on Saturday in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, asserts that Bob Weinstein, David Glasser, another executive at The Weinstein Company, and their accomplices induced Harvey Weinstein to personally guarantee a $45 million loan from AI International Holdings, purportedly to bolster the film production and distribution firm.
However, the suit contends that rather than utilizing the funds to aid the company, Bob Weinstein and Glasser allegedly diverted the money for "personal gain, unauthorized bonuses, and unrelated financial endeavors." Imran H. Ansari, Harvey Weinstein's attorney, stated, "As Harvey alleges in his complaint, he was duped by those closest to him into securing a $45 million loan under the guise of rescuing The Weinstein Company. Although Harvey personally guaranteed the loan, others within the company strategically undercut him and enriched themselves, leaving him saddled with debt while they lined their pockets during the company's crisis."
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Bob Weinstein and Glasser engaged in negotiations with AI International to absolve themselves of liability, thereby leaving Harvey Weinstein accountable for the remaining $30 million plus accrued interest.
Following sexual misconduct allegations leveled against Harvey Weinstein, The Weinstein Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2018. Harvey Weinstein seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as the recovery of funds allegedly misappropriated by Bob Weinstein and Glasser. Additionally, he demands full indemnification for any financial obligations arising from the AI International lawsuit, punitive damages for fraud and financial misconduct, legal expenses, and an injunction to prevent further misallocation of funds.
Furthermore, Harvey Weinstein awaits a retrial for his 2020 rape conviction, which was overturned in April and will now incorporate a new sexual assault charge in New York. The trial is tentatively scheduled for April 15, but on January 29, citing his health issues, Weinstein urgently requested the judge to advance the trial date, asserting, "I won't be here for April."
