Weinstein’s victims given $17mn payout

A US bankruptcy court judge has approved a $17 million payout to women who accused the disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. The development comes nearly three years after the Weinstein Company declared bankruptcy, reported Variety magazine. The plan also provides $9.7 million to the former officers and directors of the firm, allowing them to pay a portion of their legal bills. Bankruptcy judge Mary Walrath approved the plan, saying that without the settlement, Weinstein’s victims would get “minimal, if any, recovery.” The $17 million fund will be divided among more than 50 claimants, with the most serious allegations resulting in payouts of $500,000 or more. The settlement was put to a vote among the victims, with 39 voting in favour and eight opposed.