Harvey Weinstein set to argue against sacking - reports

The board of directors of the Weinstein Company will meet later, with Harvey Weinstein expected to join them by phone.

According to reports, a lawyer representing the disgraced Hollywood producer is prepared to outline why the board violated the terms of Weinstein's contract when they fired him earlier this month.

The filmmaker was kicked out of the company he co-founded after a number of female actors accused him of sexual assault, harassment and rape, which he has "unequivocally denied".

TMZ says there is a provision in Weinstein's contract that says as long as he reimburses the company for any settlements, he cannot be fired for misconduct claims.

The producer is reported to be attending a rehab centre in Arizona. At the weekend, he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars.

Police in New York and London are examining allegations against him dating back to the 1980s.

Rose McGowan and Asia Argento are among those who have also accused Weinstein of rape.

Other accusations, including sexual harassment and assault, have been made by Hollywood stars such Bond girl Eva Green, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale.

Sky News estimates more than 40 women have come forward with allegations.

He has also been temporarily banned from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) and Weinstein's wife announced last week she was leaving him.

On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "taking steps" to strip Weinstein of his Legion d'Honneur - the country's highest decoration.

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The Weinstein Company has seen a number of its directors quit in the wake of the revelations about their most high-profile colleague.

Also, the torrent of accusations against Harvey Weinstein had raised questions about the future of the company he founded with his brother Bob in 2005.

On Friday, Bob denied suggestions the company would be closed or sold, saying it was "business as usual".

But a few days later, came news that it has entered an agreement with Colony Capital , a private equity firm run by one of Donald Trump's closest confidantes Tom Barrack.

Colony will inject cash into the company while discussions continue over it buying all or part of the Weinstein firm.