Emmy winner accuses Weinstein of sexual battery: Report
Emmy Award-winning Actress Julia Ormond Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Sexual Battery in Lawsuit
Renowned English actress Julia Ormond, known for her exceptional talent and performances, has bravely come forward to accuse Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood film producer, of sexual battery. Ormond, who has joined the ranks of over 100 women who have alleged misconduct by Weinstein over several decades, filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court.
In addition to holding Weinstein accountable, Ormond is also taking legal action against The Walt Disney Company, Miramax, and Creative Arts Agency (CAA), who represented her at the time. These entities are accused of enabling Weinstein’s behavior and failing to prevent it, causing immense personal and professional suffering for Ormond.
Ormond’s attorneys, Douglas H. Wigdor and Effie Blassberger, expressed their client’s deep sense of betrayal by CAA for disregarding her safety and well-being. They are determined to ensure that the people and institutions responsible for enabling Weinstein’s predatory behavior are held accountable.
A Shocking Encounter and Allegations
The lawsuit reveals that Ormond first met Weinstein during a business meeting in London back in 1994. What seemed like a promising opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare. Over the next year, Ormond developed a professional relationship with Weinstein, only to be subjected to a horrifying incident.
According to the lawsuit, Weinstein forced Ormond to perform oral sex on him after a business dinner in 1995. The lawsuit describes how Weinstein manipulated the situation, taking advantage of Ormond’s vulnerability and intoxication. This assault occurred at a critical point in Ormond’s career, as she was landing significant roles in films such as “Legends of the Fall” and “Sabrina.”
The lawsuit emphasizes that Disney, Miramax, and CAA could have prevented this assault if they had fulfilled their duty to protect Ormond. It further accuses these entertainment companies of profiting from their association with Weinstein, even after Ormond was assaulted and abandoned by Hollywood.
Betrayal and Career Consequences
Ormond confided in her former agents, Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane, about the assault. Shockingly, the lawsuit claims that CAA did not support Ormond and instead discouraged her from reporting the incident. They even suggested that she would not be believed and that her career would be irreparably damaged if she took action against Weinstein.
Tragically, CAA lost interest in representing Ormond shortly after the assault, leading to a significant decline in her career. This betrayal compounded the emotional and professional toll she had already endured.
Ormond, who won an Emmy for her role in HBO’s “Temple Grandin,” decided to speak out after nearly three decades to contribute to the much-needed systemic change in Hollywood. She filed the lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act, which allows survivors of sexual battery to seek civil damages beyond the statute of limitations.
Ormond expressed her motivation for coming forward, stating, “I am coming forward with my story now publicly because I feel as if we still need systemic change, and I feel that we need accountability from enablers, in order to get there.”
The Fall of a Hollywood Kingpin
Harvey Weinstein, once a powerful figure in the entertainment industry and co-founder of Miramax, saw his empire crumble in 2017 when numerous women courageously spoke out against him. Their revelations sparked the #MeToo movement, exposing the widespread issue of sexual misconduct.
More than 100 women have accused Weinstein of various sex crimes. However, Weinstein denies that any sexual acts were non-consensual and claims that his accusers sought personal gain in the industry.
Weinstein is currently serving a 23-year sentence in New York for rape and sexual assault. He will subsequently serve a 16-year prison sentence in Los Angeles, effectively ensuring that he spends the rest of his life behind bars.
Weinstein’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, vehemently denies the allegations made by Julia Ormond. He asserts that the evidence will not support her claims.
As of now, CAA, Disney, and Miramax have not issued public statements regarding Ormond’s lawsuit.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP
Amanda Harding contributed to this report.
What challenges do survivors of sexual assault, like Julia Ormond, often face in terms of disbelief, victim-blaming, and professional retaliation?
Nt decline in her career opportunities. The lawsuit states that it was a direct result of Weinstein’s assault and the subsequent abandonment by those who were supposed to protect her. Ormond’s once-promising career took a detrimental turn, causing her immense emotional distress, financial loss, and a tarnished reputation.
It is not uncommon for survivors of sexual assault to face disbelief, victim-blaming, and professional retaliation. Ormond’s case exemplifies these challenges and sheds light on the systemic issues within the entertainment industry. The lawsuit seeks to hold accountable the individuals and entities who enabled Weinstein’s abusive behavior and failed to support and protect Ormond.
The Importance of Speaking Out
Julia Ormond’s decision to come forward and file a lawsuit against Weinstein and the other named entities is a courageous step towards seeking justice and holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. By speaking out, Ormond empowers other survivors to do the same and exposes the widespread issue of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
It is crucial for society to believe and support survivors, creating an environment where they feel safe and encouraged to share their experiences. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, has already sparked a global conversation about sexual harassment and assault. Ormond’s lawsuit adds to the growing list of survivors who are striving for change and demanding accountability.
The Road Ahead
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to remember that every survivor deserves justice, support, and healing. Ormond’s courage to speak up not only seeks personal justice but also serves as a catalyst for change. It takes immense bravery to challenge ingrained power structures and seek accountability from influential figures.
The outcome of this lawsuit will significantly impact the fight against sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and beyond. It sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, regardless of their status or influence. It also highlights the importance of implementing stringent measures within companies and institutions to prevent and address such misconduct.
Conclusion
Julia Ormond’s lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and the associated entities sheds light on the profound impact of sexual misconduct on survivors’ lives. It exposes the complicity of those surrounding Weinstein and emphasizes the urgent need for change within the entertainment industry.
Ormond’s bravery has inspired countless others to speak up and fight for justice. The road ahead may be long and challenging, but it is essential to continue supporting survivors, dismantling power structures that perpetuate abuse, and holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions.
Julia Ormond’s voice is now part of a collective movement striving to create a safer and more equitable world, where everyone can work and thrive without fear of harassment or assault. It is a movement that demands a fundamental shift in societal norms and attitudes, empowering survivors and ending the cycle of silence.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...