Harvey Weinstein Accusers Fear Insurers Could Be Shielded From Big Payouts

Several women who claim they were sexually abused by disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein are pleading with a US judge to reject an $18.9 million settlement with the former entertainment mogul, fearing that the deal would prevent the defendants’ insurers from making bigger payouts.

The settlement, first announced on June 30, would have allowed accusers to claim between $7,500 and $750,000 each.

But six women who were part of the class-action litigation against Weinstein alleged in a Manhattan federal court filing that the settlement would only lead to class-action members receiving just $11.2 million after deducting legal fees and costs.

The awards from the settlement will range only from $10,000 to $20,000 each, they suggested, and the defendants’ insurers will be shielded from larger disbursements, the six additionally claimed.