Harvey Weinstein: $25m deal with sex abuse accusers could see him avoid admitting guilt, report says

Harvey Weinstein has reportedly reached a $25m (£19.4m) deal with dozens of his alleged sexual misconduct victims after nearly two years of legal battles – one in which he will not be required to admit wrongdoing or pay money to his accuses personally.

Under the deal, which has so far received preliminary approval from all major parties involved, the payout would come from Mr Weinstein’s bankrupt film studio’s insurance, according to lawyers working on the case who spoke to The New York Times.

Mr Weinstein has been accused of sexual offences ranging from rape to sexual harassment by more than 30 people, who would share the settlement payout. The deal, if finalised, would bring an end to nearly every similar lawsuit brought against Mr Weinstein and his defunct company.

The deal still needs court approval, and the sign off from impacted parties. The Weinstein Company, Mr Weinstein’s former company, is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, so any claims against it would need to be filed alongside claims from creditors.

The payout to accusers would be a part of a roughly $47m (£36.2m) settlement that is intended to close the obligations of the company.

The deal comes just a month before Mr Weinstein is set to be tried in a Manhattan court on sexual assault, which are separate from the settlement negotiations. That case stems from the accusations of two women.

Mr Weinstein has denied any wrongdoing, even as his incredible influence in the entertainment industry has crashed to the ground from the stratosphere.