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.
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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