The New York attorney general's (NYAG) recent civil rights
complaint against the Weinstein Company
highlights the personal liability risks of leadership inaction to
credible harassment evidence.
The complaint named only the company and the Weinstein brothers
as defendants. Yet the complaint is notable for its extensive
criticism of the company's management and its board of
directors. This includes detailed allegations of board and
executive inaction despite being "repeatedly presented with
credible evidence" of Mr. Weinstein's harmful
activity."
Specific criticism included allegations regarding the failure to
investigate any complaint over a 12-year period; the inaction of
the Human Resources Department; the failure of individual directors
to follow up after being notified by management of complaints; and
the unwillingness of a majority of the board to support those
directors who sought Mr. Weinstein's personnel file in advance
of contract negotiations.
