Today, a new accuser of Harvey Weinstein is speaking out about the sexual harassment she alleges that she endured as a young actress and screenwriter who at the request of Mr. Weinstein was simply pitching her screenplay to him at the Sundance Film Festival.
Louisette Giess worked in the film and music industry for over twenty years. Following her dreams, she made a point to graduate college early and with honors so that she could move to LA & start her career. Education was key to Louisette and she studied with the top teachers in film for acting, writing and directing which led her to land several roles fairly early on the Drew Carey Show, Two and a Half Men, & King of Queens to name just a few. She was also a dedicated screenwriter and went on to sing on many national commercials and owned an award winning Music Company.
Louisette had her second baby girl only 6 weeks ago. She is a mother of two young girls. She was a guardian to a young girl and she is a step mom to two boys. She made an abrupt departure from the film industry in 2009 and now works in real estate.
She is speaking out today because even though Harvey Weinstein has been terminated from his employment with the Weinstein Company, she and I both feel that there has not yet been justice for many women who allege that they were victims of sexual harassment.
Although there are reports that Mr. Weinstein entered into settlements with eight women who alleged that they were sexually harassed by Mr. Weinstein, many more women who allege that they were victims never filed claims or lawsuits against him.
Many of these women feared the power that Harvey Weinstein had and were concerned that if they took legal action or spoke out that he could ruin their careers. In addition, many believed that nobody would believe them.
A number of accusers have contacted me about their allegations, but I have had to inform them that the statute of limitations (that arbitrary time period set by law) has expired and it is therefore too late for them to assert a legal claim.
Mr. Weinstein could, however, decide that he would like to resolve these allegations and waive and agree not to assert the statute of limitations. That is exactly what we believe he should do.
Mr. Weinstein may believe that some of these claims are false, or he may believe that some are true. He may believe that he has not had his day in court on these allegations and that he has not been treated fairly.
Many women who allege that they are his victims feel the same way. I believe that there is a way to provide justice for these alleged victims and for Mr. Weinstein.
I am inviting him to agree to engage in an arbitration of these claims with these alleged victims and with an agreed upon retired judge. The women could present their claims of sexual harassment and Mr. Weinstein could present his defense.
If the judge finds in favor of the victims, the judge could award damages according to proof at trial. If Mr. Weinstein prevails, he would be able to announce the result to the public. In the alternative, he could also agree to a confidential mediation process to resolve these claims.
This proposal is similar to what I suggested to Bill Cosby. He was not wise enough, however, to accept my invitation to resolve the allegations against him.
Will Mr. Weinstein accept the offer of a process that is fair to him and will help to provide a system of justice to his accusers? We will have to wait and see.
I believe that one day, Mr. Weinstein will wish to return as a producer in Hollywood. This is a positive step that he could take to help to restore his battered reputation.
It is not enough for him to acknowledge pain that he has caused and to seek therapy. He needs to go further and provide justice to these who allege that they are his victims.
Louisette Geiss is very brave in her decision to speak out today. She has decided to share what she alleges was her experience, because she knows that there are many others who still live in fear and do not yet have a voice. She is doing this for them and for her daughters.
I am honored to represent her and look forward to Mr. Weinstein’s response.