‘Defeated and hopeless’: Harvey Weinstein accusers divided over £19m deal to end dozens of lawsuits

Actresses, models and former employees who have accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct were today divided over a tentative $25million (£19 million) deal to end dozens of lawsuits.

Zoe Brock, 39, a model who claims she fled to a hotel bathroom to escape the former Hollywood producer’s advances when she was 23, said it had left her feeling “sick, defeated and hopeless”.

Erika Rosenbaum, a Canadian actress who claims she was harassed by Weinstein three times in her early twenties, called it “painfully inadequate”.

Photographer and actress Katherine Kendall, 50, one of the first to make allegations in public, said: “I don’t love it, but I don’t know how to go after him.”

Actress Dominique Huett, who claims Weinstein raped her in a hotel room in 2010, said she has “had many issues with the way this lawsuit was handled”, but added: “I believe resolving this settlement is a pivotal moment in holding a serial abuser accountable.

“The years all of us have suffered hold no monetary amount but this is a way to right the wrongs of pain he caused as well as the harrowing effects it has had on all of our lives and careers. We will be able to have healing and closure as this mediation is being finalised.”

Weinstein, 67, has been accused of sexual misconduct dating back decades by more than 70 women. He has denied the allegations, saying that any sexual encounters were consensual.

At least 29 women are said to have agreed to the settlement, with 18 set to split $6.2 million (£4.6 million).

A separate $18.5 million (£13.9million) fund would go to those involved in a class-action lawsuit, as well as making provision for any future claimants, and paying the New York attorney general’s office which had also made a legal claim.

Under the deal, which still requires court approval, Weinstein would not have to pay out any of his own money as insurers for The Weinstein Company would finance the settlements.

In a condition that has angered many, Weinstein would also not be required to admit wrongdoing. On top of the payouts for his accusers, an extra $12 million will be spent on legal fees for Weinstein, his brother, and their defunct film studio. The total amount of the deal is $46.7 million (£35.3 million).

Actress Ashley Judd is suing Weinstein in a separate lawsuit that would not be part of the civil deal.

Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski made a statement about the case at the premiere of her husband’s film, as she arrived on the red carpet with “f*** Harvey” written on her arm.

News of the deal came as Weinstein, 67, used a walking frame for an appearance at a bail hearing at a New York criminal court, where he was accused of tampering with his tag.

He has pleaded not guilty to criminal allegations that he sexually assaulted two women in 2006 and 2013. His trial will start on January 6.

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