Harvey Weinstein has filed a lawsuit against his brother, Bob Weinstein, and Hollywood executive David Glasser, accusing them of orchestrating a financial scheme that left him personally liable for a $45 million loan.
Currently serving a prison sentence for sex crimes, Weinstein claims in the lawsuit, filed on Thursday, that Bob and Glasser set him up to bear the financial burden as part of a plot to oust him from The Weinstein Company ahead of its collapse.
Weinstein alleges that his brother and Glasser misused company funds for personal gain, with Bob reportedly withdrawing at least $6 million, Glasser awarding himself $5 million in bonuses, and paying their father $1 million.
“It was shocking to discover the fraudulent transactions that occurred after I left the company. I now believe many of these executives played a key role in my downfall,” Weinstein said in exclusive audio obtained by TMZ from his Rikers Island cell.
In his lawsuit, Weinstein accuses Bob and Glasser of tricking him into personally guaranteeing a $45 million loan from AI International Holdings, only for them to divert funds, leaving the company unable to repay the debt. As a result, Weinstein claims he was left solely responsible for the massive financial obligation.
The lawsuit alleges that Bob and Glasser conspired to destroy Weinstein financially in order to seize full control of The Weinstein Company. AI International Holdings had previously sued the now-defunct company for defaulting on the loan, and Weinstein’s legal action is connected to that ongoing case.
Bob Weinstein’s attorney, Brian Kohn, dismissed the allegations, telling TMZ, “Harvey’s allegations are entirely without merit.” Glasser has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
