New York AG sues Harvey Weinstein following sexual misconduct allegations

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Sunday filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein, his brother Bob Weinstein and The Weinstein Co., alleging civil and human rights violations stemming from Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual misconduct.

The lawsuit alleges that the company broke New York law and violated the company’s employees’ rights by “failing to protect its employees from pervasive sexual harassment, intimidation, and discrimination,” Schneiderman said in a statement.

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The lawsuit follows a four-month investigation by Schneiderman’s office that included interviews with company employees, executives and Harvey Weinstein’s accusers.

Schneiderman’s lawsuit alleges numerous instances of harassment by Harvey Weinstein, including claims that multiple groups of The Weinstein Co.’s employees were responsible for facilitating Harvey Weinstein’s sexual encounters.

The suit also includes claims from employees that Harvey Weinstein demanded sexual favors in exchange for career advancement. 

The lawsuit claims that the company’s human resources department failed to properly address complaints, and that Bob Weinstein failed to maintain a safe workplace while serving as co-owner and co-CEO. 

#BREAKING: My office just filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Weinstein Company.

Any sale of the company must ensure victims are adequately compensated, employees are protected, and that enablers of sexual misconduct will not be unjustly enriched.https://t.co/VGcDpc2pkT pic.twitter.com/GyHV9pUS72

— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) February 11, 2018

Dozens of women have come forward since October to accuse the film mogul of sexual harassment or assault. Actresses Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek, Rose McGowan and Gwyneth Paltrow are among those who have spoken out. 

Harvey Weinstein has been fired as CEO of The Weinstein Co., but he has not faced criminal charges stemming from the allegations.

The accusations sparked a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men in media and politics as part of the “Me Too” movement.