Harvey Weinstein sues his brother Bob

Harvey Weinstein, the once-prominent Hollywood producer, has filed a lawsuit against his brother, Bob Weinstein, and other former executives of The Weinstein Company, alleging they deceived him into guaranteeing a $45 million loan in 2016. This loan, according to Weinstein, was supposed to aid their beleaguered company but was instead misused for personal gain. The lawsuit claims that Bob Weinstein and others enriched themselves, undermining Harvey’s position and leaving him solely responsible for the debt. Harvey’s lawyer, Imran Ansari, emphasized that Weinstein was misled, with others “lining their pockets” while the company teetered on the brink of crisis, eventually leading to its bankruptcy in 2018.

This legal development unfolds as Harvey Weinstein faces a retrial in New York City on sex crime charges, which led to his downfall in 2017 as a central figure in the #MeToo movement. Despite the numerous allegations against him, Weinstein maintains that all sexual encounters were consensual. His brother, Bob Weinstein, and other executives have dismissed these allegations as baseless, with Bob’s lawyer, Brian Kohn, stating that Harvey’s claims lack merit. David Glasser, former COO of The Weinstein Company, who is also named in the lawsuit, has yet to comment.

The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan’s state Supreme Court, details how Weinstein was allegedly duped into guaranteeing the loan from AI International Holdings. The funds were intended to support The Weinstein Company but were instead diverted for improper uses, leaving the company with insufficient cash to repay the loan. This mismanagement resulted in a $12 million shortfall, placing Weinstein at significant financial risk. The lawsuit seeks to absolve Weinstein of liability for the loan, while also pursuing punitive damages for alleged fraud and covering his legal fees.

In 2017, AI International Holdings sued Weinstein and two affiliates of The Weinstein Company for defaulting on the loan, following Weinstein’s dismissal as co-chairman amid sexual misconduct allegations. Harvey Weinstein claims that his brother and Glasser settled their portion of the liability for $15 million, leaving him responsible for the remaining $30 million plus interest. Bob Weinstein has recently sought to block subpoenas related to the case, further complicating the legal battle.

Weinstein’s current situation is marked by both legal challenges and personal struggles. He is jailed at Rikers Island, awaiting retrial on charges that include forcible sexual acts and rape. His 2020 conviction was overturned due to procedural issues, and he now urges a swift retrial, citing serious health concerns including leukemia, diabetes, and heart problems. His legal team argues that he may not survive much longer without a resolution.

This case reflects the broader narrative of power dynamics and accountability in Hollywood, as well as the personal and professional unraveling of a once-influential figure. The lawsuit underscores the complexities of financial and legal battles intertwined with personal betrayal, emblematic of the fallout from the #MeToo era. As the legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains on issues of abuse of power and the enduring quest for justice, both in and out of the courtroom.