Julia Ormond Sexual Assault Lawsuit with Disney and Miramax Settlement Amount Revealed
Actress Julia Ormond has reached an out-of-court settlement with Disney and Miramax regarding her 2023 sexual assault lawsuit involving Harvey Weinstein. However, her former agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), continues to dispute her allegations, prolonging the legal battle.
Settlement Details with Disney and Miramax
According to the Irish Daily Mail, court documents from New York indicate that on March 31 Ormond finalized a sealed settlement agreement with Disney and its former subsidiary, Miramax. Under the terms of this settlement, Disney agreed to pay Ormond $5.75 million. Ormond’s lawsuit initially accused Disney and Miramax of "negligent supervision and retention," asserting the companies continued employing Weinstein despite knowledge of his misconduct, thereby placing employees at risk.
Ongoing Dispute with CAA
Despite the settlement with Disney and Miramax, Ormond’s former agency, CAA, remains actively involved in litigation. CAA has requested additional discovery from Disney and Miramax, seeking evidence to counteract Ormond’s allegations of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty by agency executives, specifically Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane.
Ormond alleges that CAA arranged a dinner meeting with Weinstein in late 1995, knowing the potential dangers involved due to Weinstein's behavior. In response, a CAA spokesperson stated, "Ms. Ormond has admitted that before she became a CAA client, she had a preexisting business relationship with Harvey Weinstein and had been subject to a pattern of his sexual harassment and misconduct."
Furthermore, CAA asserts that Ormond has not provided evidence indicating the agency knew of Weinstein’s history of sexual assault during the relevant period. According to CAA, maintaining their right to pursue discovery from Disney and Miramax is crucial for their defense.
Ormond’s lawyers gave this statement to Deadline,
“We are pleased with the resolution reached with Disney and Miramax and applaud Ms. Ormond’s strength and perseverance in bringing the case to this point. CAA’s spiteful and meritless effort to derail that settlement—so it can deflect blame onto Disney and Miramax for its own failure to protect Ms. Ormond—will not succeed. Nor will CAA’s attempts to victim-blame Ms. Ormond because she had a professional relationship with Weinstein before he sexually assaulted her.”
Background of the Lawsuit
Julia Ormond, an Emmy-winning actress, initially filed the lawsuit in 2023, highlighting the accountability of Disney, Miramax, and CAA in relation to Weinstein’s actions. Weinstein, the former influential Hollywood producer, is currently serving prison sentences following multiple convictions related to sexual assault and misconduct.
As the legal proceedings continue with CAA, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities involved in holding corporate entities and talent agencies accountable for alleged negligence relating to workplace misconduct and sexual harassment.