Julia Ormond takes on Disney and CAA in Harvey Weinstein lawsuit: Examining Hollywood’s complicity

Julia Ormond Files Lawsuit Accusing Harvey Weinstein and Hollywood Companies of Negligence and Assault

Background

Julia Ormond, the renowned English actor, has filed a lawsuit in the New York supreme court against Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie producer known for his predatory behavior, as well as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the Walt Disney Company, and Miramax. Ormond, famous for her roles in films such as “Legends of the Fall,” “First Night,” and “Sabrina,” has accused Weinstein of sexual battery, claiming that he assaulted her after a business dinner in December 1995. She alleges that Weinstein lured her into giving him a massage, climbed on top of her, masturbated, and forced her to perform oral sex.

Ormond states in the lawsuit that she informed her agents at the time, Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane of the assault, but CAA agents cautioned her against speaking out. While Lourd and Huvane, who are currently the co-chairmen of CAA, are mentioned in the lawsuit as Ormond’s agents, they are not named as defendants. Ormond is suing CAA for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.

This lawsuit is notable as it names Weinstein’s business partners for allegedly enabling him, which is a rarity. Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence for sexual assault in New York, has faced multiple lawsuits since his predatory behavior was exposed by the New York Times and the New Yorker in 2017.

Ormond’s lawsuit also accuses Miramax, the company co-founded by Weinstein and his brother Bob, and Disney, which owned Miramax in the 1990s, of negligent supervision and retention. Former Miramax and Disney executives, including Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg, are cited in the suit but are not named as defendants.

Ormond chose to speak out to drive systemic change in Hollywood. She believes that accountability is necessary not only for Weinstein but also for the enablers who allowed him to perpetrate his crimes. While acknowledging Weinstein’s imprisonment, Ormond contends that he could not have acted without the support and complicity of others.

Ormond filed her lawsuit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which was passed in 2022 after the #MeToo movement gained momentum. This law allows survivors of sexual assault, irrespective of when the assault occurred, to sue their abusers if they were over the age of 18 at the time of the assault.

Impact and Implications

This lawsuit has significant implications for Weinstein’s enablers and Hollywood companies accused of negligence in addressing sexual assault allegations. By bringing these allegations to light, Ormond aims to hold accountable those who allowed Weinstein’s behavior to go unchecked.

Ormond’s suit raises questions about the responsibility of Hollywood companies, in this case, Miramax and Disney, to properly supervise and retain individuals like Weinstein. The lawsuit suggests that these companies not only failed to prevent Weinstein’s assault on Ormond but also profited from their association with him for many years.

It is important to consider the broader implications of this case within the context of the #MeToo movement. Ormond’s decision to file the lawsuit demonstrates the need for continued efforts to address systemic issues of sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry. By seeking justice through legal means, Ormond hopes to bring about lasting change and prevent further instances of abuse.

Expert Opinion

According to Douglas H Wigdor and Effie Blassberger, Ormond’s lawyers, their client has suffered immensely both personally and professionally as a result of Weinstein’s assault and the subsequent failure of Disney, Miramax, and CAA to prevent it and respond appropriately. They highlight Ormond’s sense of betrayal by CAA for disregarding her safety and well-being and express their desire to hold accountable those who enabled Weinstein’s predatory behavior.

The lawsuit uncovers the lingering damage inflicted not only on Ormond but on numerous other women who fell victim to Harvey Weinstein’s abuses. While Weinstein is paying for his crimes through his incarceration, the full extent of the harm caused by his actions is yet to be fully comprehended.

Conclusion

Julia Ormond’s lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein, CAA, Miramax, and Disney shines a spotlight on the complicity of Hollywood companies and individuals in enabling Weinstein’s predatory behavior. By taking legal action, Ormond seeks to hold Weinstein’s enablers accountable and drive systemic change within the industry.

This case serves as a reminder that the fight against sexual assault and harassment must continue. The courage of individuals like Ormond, who are willing to come forward and share their stories, plays a vital role in exposing the systemic issues that enable abuse. It is crucial for the industry as a whole to take stock of this lawsuit and actively work towards creating an environment of safety and respect for all who work within it.