Six women who say they were sexually abused by Harvey Weinstein have urged a US judge to reject a $US18.9 million ($A27.1 million) settlement with the disgraced movie producer, the board of his former studio and other accusers.
The settlement announced on June 30 would end litigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James and separate class-action litigation, and permit accusers to claim $US7500 ($A10,000) to $US750,000 ($A1.1 million) each.
But in a Manhattan federal court filing, the six women said accusers would receive just $US11.2 million ($A16.1 million) after deducting legal fees and costs, with typical awards of just $US10,000 ($A14,000) to $US20,000 ($A28,000), while shielding the defendants' insurers from big payouts.
They also complained that the accord "absolved" Weinstein, his brother Bob Weinstein and the board of liability, while setting aside another $US15.2 million ($A21.8 million) to help cover their defence costs.
The settlement is "a cruel hoax" and among "the most one-sided and unfair class settlements in history," the filing said.
"The main winners ... are Harvey Weinstein, Robert Weinstein, and the ultra-wealthy former directors of The Weinstein Co."
James' office and a lawyer for Weinstein did not respond to requests for comment. Gerald Maatman, a lawyer for the Weinstein Cos, declined to comment.
The settlement requires approval by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
Weinstein, 68, is serving a 23-year prison term following his February 24 conviction for sexually assaulting a former production assistant and raping a one-time aspiring actress.
He is appealing, and still faces rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles.
Australian Associated Press
