Harvey Weinstein sues his own company for access to company records

HARVEY Weinstein has sued his own company in an attempt to gain access to records that might help defend him against sexual abuse allegations.

THE Weinstein Co film company is being sued by its founder and former co-chairman Harvey Weinstein who is seeking information to help defend himself against sexual assault allegations.

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.

Harvey Weinstein with wife Georgina Chapman, after he was awarded the French Legion d'Honneur in 2012. Picture: AFP/Eric Feferberg

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 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 13 women had claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them.

Harvey Weinstein’s brother, Bob, with whom he founded the Weinstein Co. Picture: AP/Chris Pizzello

Harvey Weinstein wants access to company records. Picture: AFP/Yann Coatsaliou

On Tuesday, an actress who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her filed a negligence lawsuit against the company, saying it was aware Weinstein had previously settled other allegations 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 allegation.

US actress Ashley Judd appeared on US TV calling Weinstein “sick”. Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

It comes as Ashley Judd said on US television that she understood Weinstein was “sick and suffering”.

Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

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.

Originally published as Harvey Weinstein sues his own company for access to company records