Katherine BiekThe New York Attorney General filed a civil rights lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and the production studio he co-founded Sunday.
The lawsuit alleges Weinstein's former employees endured "pervasive sexual harassment, intimidation and discrimination." His brother, Bob Weinstein, is also named in the suit, because the Attorney General's office says The Weinstein Co. failed to act despite repeated complaints about Harvey Weinstein's misconduct.
This lawsuit is already complicating the company's sale. Variety reports a deal to purchase The Weinstein Co. for $500 million stalled Sunday evening. Although the lawsuit doesn't try to block the sale, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said sale terms must include compensation for Weinstein's victims.
Harvey Weinstein's attorney responded to the lawsuit, saying many of the allegations made against his client are "without merit." While The Weinstein Co. board said it was "disappointed" by the lawsuit, and called many of the allegations relating to the board "inaccurate."
Harvey Weinstein, who's been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women, could also face criminal charges. Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Police Department sent three cases to prosecutors in which women accused the producer of sex crimes.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
