Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com
Actor Julia Ormond has filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein, claiming he sexually assaulted her in 1995 after a dinner in New York.
In addition to seeking damages from Weinstein, Ormond is also targeting Disney, Miramax, and her former talent agency for failing to protect her from abuse.
The case was filed in New York under a law that allows sexual assault cases to be filed outside the statute of limitations.
Weinstein is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence for rape.
Ormond, best known for her roles in films such as “Legends of the Fall,” “First Knight,” and “Sabrina,” claims that her career never fully recovered after the alleged assault. The lawsuit argues that Weinstein and Ormond returned to an apartment provided by the production company after a business dinner, where he allegedly “stripped naked and forced her to perform oral sex on him.” The suit further claims that Miramax and Disney should have properly supervised Weinstein and not retained him, given their knowledge of his predatory behavior.
The British actor is also suing her former talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), for allegedly failing to warn her about Weinstein’s abuse. According to Ormond, CAA even suggested that reporting Weinstein to the authorities would be futile and damaging to her career. The lawsuit states that shortly after Ormond reported the assault to CAA, the agency lost interest in representing her, resulting in a significant decline in her career prospects.
Ormond’s lawsuit emphasizes the profound personal and professional impact of the alleged assault and subsequent retaliation by the defendants. She claims to have nearly disappeared from the public eye since the incident. In a statement released through her lawyers, Ormond expressed gratitude to those who have spoken out about their experiences with Weinstein. She hopes that holding entities like CAA, Miramax, and Disney accountable will lead to increased protections in the workplace.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for lost wages, mental pain, anguish, and severe emotional distress. The BBC has reached out to Disney, Miramax, and CAA for comment. To date, over 80 individuals have come forward with rape and misconduct allegations against Weinstein, spanning several decades.
Julia Ormond’s lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein, Disney, Miramax, and CAA sheds light on the alleged abuse and misconduct prevalent in the entertainment industry. It highlights the long-lasting impact such incidents can have on a victim’s career and personal life. By seeking accountability and closure, Ormond hopes to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding workplace protections and the need for institutions to take responsibility for enabling abusive behavior.
– Input from BBC was used in this article.
