Sued for $375,000 over allegations of sexual assault, the 'Gangs of New York' producer is seeking a dismissal by pointing out at his accuser's 'pre-existing' psychiatric problems.
- Jun 19, 2019
AceShowbiz - Harvey Weinstein is seeking a dismissal of a lawsuit from a British woman accusing him of sexual assault, alleging her issues are related to a bad relationship.
The shamed movie mogul, 67, is being sued in the U.K. by an ex-assistant who alleges he caused her "psychiatric damage" by assaulting her in hotels in London, the U.K., and the U.S., as well as performing a sex act in her presence. She is demanding $375,000 (£300,000) in damages.
Weinstein denies her claims and according to British newspaper The Sun, he has filed papers at Britain's High Court seeking to have the case thrown out.
His legal team claim a medical report detailing her psychiatric problems "seems to be an attempt to exaggerate her potential vulnerability" and claim any symptoms were caused by "pre-existing" conditions which needed "long-term, anti-depressant medication."
They also claim the woman's need for psychiatric treatment was due to an "extremely troubled relationship" with an ex.
In her complaint, the woman, who cannot been named for legal reasons, alleges Weinstein's actions left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
However, his lawyers are fighting to have the case dismissed, also claiming that the sex act she alleges was performed in front of her was not an assault, even if it occurred.
Weinstein's career as a Hollywood power player came crashing down after multiple women, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, accused him of sexual misconduct in October 2017.
He faces a sex crimes trial in New York in September, on five charges of sexual assault, including rape. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
