Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for Dec. 17
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Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein once again tried to blame his bad back Monday when his lawyers asked a judge to pause a $45 million civil lawsuit he’s facing because his spinal injuries and an upcoming criminal trial were “too much to bear,” according to new Manhattan Supreme court papers.
Weinstein’s attorneys asked a judge to stay a case brought by AI International Holdings in the wake of his ongoing sexual-misconduct scandal until after he goes on trail for rape on Jan. 6.
The loan company recalled the sizable debt from Weinstein and his namesake Weinstein Co. after he was ousted there Oct. 3, 2017. When AI Holdings didn’t receive the repayment it sued.
“Already encumbered with preparation for his impending criminal trial, coupled with the pain of orthopedic injuries causing significant ambulatory issues and requiring surgery, the weight is too much to bear all at once for Mr. Weinstein,” his lawyer Imran Ansari wrote in a letter to a judge.
The fallen movie maker — who faces accusations of sex assault and harassment by more than 80 women — showed up to Manhattan Criminal court last week with the aid of a walker following a spinal surgery. But was seen without it a day later — sparking rumors he was using the injury from an Aug. 17 car accident as a pity play.
Harvey Weinstein, center, arrives for a court hearing, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
“While Mr. Weinstein’s personal liberty is at stake” in the criminal case and “his financial liberty is at stake in the pending matter before your Honor,” Ansari said.
HARVEY WEINSTEIN, ACCUSERS REACH TENTATIVE $25M SETTLEMENT: REPORT
Weinstein became personally responsible for repaying the money after his companies went bankrupt.
Ansari claimed in the letter that AI Holdings doesn’t have a problem with pausing the case.
“Given the monetary amount at issue here, we hope that the court grants Mr. Weinsten’s request so he can focus his energy on vigorously defending against the criminal allegations against him,” Ansari told The Post.
Weinstein bragged in a tone-deaf exclusive interview about how much he helped women in his career. “I made more movies directed by women and about women than any filmmaker,” he said.
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AI Holdings didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
This article originally appeared in The New York Post.
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