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By Tom Hals
WILMINGTON, Del. (Reuters) - The Weinstein Co film company on
Thursday was sued by its founder and former co-chairman Harvey
Weinstein who is seeking information that could help defend
himself against sexual assault allegations, and also help defend
the company against potential liability.
In the lawsuit filed in Delaware's Court of Chancery, Weinstein
said he needed the information to prevent the company, in which
he and his brother remain the largest investors, from being
harmed by unjustified legal settlements.
Representatives for Weinstein and The Weinstein Co did not
immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Weinstein Co has been one of Hollywood's most influential
forces since its launch in October 2005 and has produced and
distributed films including "The King's Speech" and "Silver
Linings Playbook."
The New York Times reported earlier this month that Weinstein,
65, had reached eight previously undisclosed settlements with
women who accused him of sexual harassment and unwanted physical
contact.
The New Yorker magazine reported that 13 women had claimed that
Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them.
On Tuesday, an actress who accuses Weinstein of sexually
assaulting her filed a negligence lawsuit against the company,
saying it was aware Weinstein had previously settled other
allegations of harassment and assault and should not have let
her meet privately with the movie producer in a hotel room.
The New York City Police Department has said it is investigating
an allegation of sexual assault by Weinstein in 2004.
The Los Angeles Police Department also said earlier this month
that it is investigating a 2013 sexual assault allegation
against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.
Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the
allegations.
In Thursday's lawsuit, Weinstein said he also wants to
investigate whether confidential information was leaked to the
press, if the Weinstein Company's board and executives wrongly
terminated him as chief executive, and if the board is pursuing
a "fire sale" of the company, according to the complaint and
attached exhibits.
"Mr. Weinstein believes that his email account -- which is the
only one he used throughout the time he was employed by the
company -- will contain information exonerating him, and
therefore the company, from claims that may be asserted against
them," Weinstein's lawyer wrote in an email to the Weinstein
company, according to Thursday's filing.
The New York attorney general has opened an investigation into
sexual harassment and possible violations of civil rights laws
at the Weinstein Company also.
(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware and Lisa Richwine
in Los Angeles; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Clive McKeef)
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