The latest accusations against disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein have taken an unusual turn, dragging actor Jennifer Lawrence into Los Angeles Superior Court. A lawsuit filed Thursday by “Jane Doe” alleges that Weinstein lured an unnamed plaintiff into meetings in which she was sexually assaulted. During one of the alleged assaults, according to the lawsuit, Weinstein boasted of an affair with Lawrence that led to her winning the 2012 Best Actress Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook. “He expressly reminded her that he was the gatekeeper to her dream by claiming, I slept with Jennifer Lawrence and look where she is; she has just won an Oscar,” the lawsuit says.
The victims lawsuit claims Weinstein repeatedly exposed himself, groped her and forcibly initiated oral sex in private settings dating back to 2013. Hours after the suit was filed, Lawrence and her camp issued a statement supporting the plaintiff, but nonetheless denying an affair with Weinstein. “My heart breaks for all the women who were victimized by Harvey Weinstein,” Lawrence said. “I have never had anything but a professional relationship with him. This is yet another example of the predatory tactics and lies that he engaged in to lure countless women.”
Weinstein denied any wrongdoing, as well as the alleged affair. “There is absolutely no truth to the malicious claims made in this lawsuit, and we are reviewing our options with an eye on filing for an immediate dismissal,” an attorney for the former film producer said. “Mr. Weinstein is embarrassed for Ms. Lawrence with whom he has only had a professional and respectful relationship, who has sadly been dragged into this ugly attempt at defamation. This filing further proves that anyone can say whatever they want in a lawsuit for maximum shock value, to defame and debase, without having to offer any facts or reality.”
Weinstein is due in New York Supreme Court on December 20 for a hearing on criminal charges against him. Over sixty women have accused the mogul of sexual assault and harassment, triggering investigations by federal prosecutors, the NYPD, L.A. County District Attorneys office and beyond. The unnamed “Jane Doe” of the recent filing is seeking both unspecified damages and a jury trial.
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