Weinstein accusers call $18.9m NY settlement a 'cruel hoax'

Six women who claim they were sexually abused by Harvey Weinstein urged a US judge on Monday to reject an $18.9 million settlement with the disgraced movie producer, the board of his former studio and other accusers. The settlement announced on June 30 would end litigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James and separate class-action litigation, and permit accusers to claim $7,500 to $750,000 each. But in a Manhattan federal court filing, the six women said accusers would receive just $11.2 million after deducting legal fees and costs, with typical awards of just $10,000 to $20,000, while shielding the defendants' insurers from big payouts.  Weinstein, 68, is serving a 23-year prison term following his Feb 24 conviction for sexually assaulting a former production assistant and raping a onetime aspiring actress. He is appealing, and still faces rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles.