Ashley Judd’s Legal Win Against Harvey Weinstein

The court ruled that Weinstein, a powerful Hollywood producer, had influence over Judd’s career when he invited her to his room at the Peninsula Hotel in the 1990s.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a previous ruling that dismissed Judd’s claim because she was not Weinstein’s employee at the time of the incident.

Judge Mary H. Murguia emphasized the power imbalance between Weinstein and Judd due to his position in the industry.

Judd filed the lawsuit in April 2018, alleging that Weinstein had coerced her into his hotel room, requested her to watch him shower, and attempted to give her a massage.

Additionally, she accused Weinstein of defamation and retaliation after she rejected his advances, which led to her being marginalized in the film industry.

The initial harassment claim was dismissed by Judge Philip Gutierrez, citing California law that did not cover the relationship between a producer and an actress without an active employment agreement.

However, the law has since been updated to include such scenarios explicitly.

The three-judge panel highlighted the inherent power dynamics in the producer-actor relationship, similar to other relationships covered by the statute at the time.

The court noted Weinstein’s influential position and the impact on Judd’s career as reasons to allow the harassment claim to proceed.

The case will return to the lower court to address all claims, marking a significant victory for Judd and victims of s**ual harassment in professional settings, according to Theodore Boutrous, Judd’s legal representative.

Weinstein’s attorney, Phyllis Kupferstein, expressed readiness for a trial to present the truth, refuting claims of defamation and career interference.

Kupferstein highlighted Weinstein’s support for Judd in securing roles in his films and clarified his limited involvement in projects like “Lord of the Rings.”

SAG-AFTRA, a prominent actors guild, commended the court decision, emphasizing the importance of holding abusers accountable regardless of traditional employment arrangements.

The organization supported the interpretation of the law to ensure justice for victims of harassment and abuse, underscoring the significance of the ruling in providing recourse for survivors.