Court Forces Major Talent Agency To Face Allegations That They Were Aware Of Harvey Weinstein’s Behavior

A New York appellate court ruled Thursday that Creative Artists Agency must face claims it knew about Harvey Weinstein’s predatory behavior but failed to protect its client, actress Julia Ormond.

Ormond sued in 2023, alleging Weinstein sexually assaulted her after a 1995 business meeting arranged by her CAA agents. Her lawsuit also named Weinstein, Miramax and Disney, accusing them of enabling his abuse. CAA also sought to dismiss the case, but the court denied its motion.

Attorneys Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, Kevin Mintzer, PC and Effie Blassberger of Clayman Rosenberg Kirshner & Linder LLP told the Daily Caller in a statement Friday they welcomed the ruling. (RELATED: REPORT: Disney Opens The Floodgates By Dishing Out Millions To Weinstein Victim Julia Ormond)

“We are grateful that the appeals court affirmed the trial court’s denial of CAA’s motion to dismiss,” they said. “This decision should serve as a wake-up call to CAA that it must put its clients’ safety and well-being ahead of its own financial interests.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 19: Former film producer Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court on July 19, 2024 in New York City. Prosecutors are preparing to retry the former movie mogul following the reversal of his 2020 rape conviction. (Photo by Kena Betancur-Pool/Getty Images)

“At a jury trial, we are confident that we will be able to demonstrate that CAA knew of Harvey Weinstein’s predatory conduct and could have spared Ms. Ormond and so many other women from the trauma he inflicted,” Ormond’s attorneys continued.

Disney reportedly settled with Ormond Aug. 1 for $5.7 million. A trial date has not been scheduled.

CAA did not immediately respond to the Caller’s request for comment.