Weinstein Accuses Brother and Business Partners of Fraud
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has launched a fresh legal battle, this time against his own brother and former business associates. Despite awaiting a retrial on his overturned 2020 rape conviction, Weinstein filed a lawsuit in the New York County Supreme Court last Thursday, accusing his brother Robert Weinstein and associates from The Weinstein Company of fraud.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, the lawsuit centers around a $45 million loan Weinstein guaranteed in 2016. The 22-page complaint alleges that Robert Weinstein and others misused and misappropriated funds from the loan, diverting them for personal gain rather than their intended purpose. The lawsuit names several key figures, including David Glasser, the former chief operating officer of The Weinstein Company, and Irwin Reiter, the company’s former executive vice president of accounting and financial reporting. A group of 10 unnamed individuals, referred to as John and Jane Does, are also listed in the suit.
Financial Disputes Amid Weinstein Co.’s Downfall
The legal battle stems from financial dealings related to The Weinstein Company, which the Weinstein brothers co-founded in 2005. The independent film production company was responsible for major box-office hits such as Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, Inglourious Basterds, and Paddington. However, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2018 following widespread allegations of sexual harassment and rape against Harvey Weinstein.
Weinstein’s lawsuit claims that after signing as the guarantor for the loan, he became solely responsible for repayment, despite the funds allegedly being misused by others. Now, he is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with injunctive relief, which will be determined at trial.
Legal Troubles Continue for Weinstein
This lawsuit marks yet another legal battle for the former Hollywood mogul. Just three months ago, Weinstein and his legal team filed a $5 million claim notice against Rikers Island Correctional Facility, Bellevue Hospital, and New York City officials. That complaint accused them of negligence in providing proper medical care while Weinstein remains in custody.
As Harvey Weinstein fights his latest case, his future remains uncertain. With a retrial on the horizon and legal disputes piling up, his battle both inside and outside the courtroom shows no signs of slowing down.
