Forced to pick used condoms, clean semen: Harvey Weinstein's ex-assistant
In a shocking revelation, the sexual abuse/harassment accused Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein's former personal assistant has alleged that she was forced to "facilitate his sexual encounters" and clean up the mess from them. Indian-American Sandeep Rehal was also allegedly subjected to "sexual exploitation" while she worked for him between 2013-15. She's filed a lawsuit in the Southern District Court of New York. Here's more.
Severe sexually hostile work environment at Weinstein's company
The Southern District Court of New York, issuing summons to Harvey Weinstein and his company, asked them to respond to Rehal's charges within 21 days. The lawsuit says Rehal was subjected to "endless offensive, degrading, and sexually harassing actions, statements, and touching at the hands of her boss" for two years. Weinstein has been facing numerous other sexual misconduct allegations since last year.
Weinstein forced Rehal to take dictation when he was naked
The lawsuit also alleges: "Throughout her employment (with Weinstein)...Rehal was required, as a condition of her employment, to work with Harvey Weinstein when he was naked. On an almost weekly basis, she was required to take dictation of emails from him while he was naked."
Rehal had to facilitate Weinstein's sexual encounters
Rehal was also forced to be "involved in and aware of" preparations for Weinstein's sexual encounters. She also had to pick up used Caverject shots (erectile dysfunction injections) and condoms and clean up semen and other mess from such acts. She had to set up an apartment for his encounters and maintain a list of Weinstein's "girls" (sexual partners) and buy lingerie/gifts for them.
Weinstein subjected Sandeep to unwelcome touching
Working for Weinstein allegedly included "unwelcome touching" too. Every time she accompanied him in his chauffeured Lexus SUV, he made her sit with him in the back where he touched between her thighs. She tried to prevent him from touching her inappropriately but in vain.
Sandeep had to break away from "intolerable work environment"
Sandeep needed the job, however Weinstein's behavior left her with no other choice but to leave the company. Because of the sexually hostile work environment and harassment, Sandeep suffered and "continues to suffer from severe emotional distress, anxiety, depression, humiliation, fear, anguish, and loss of self-esteem." "To say Weinstein's behavior was harmful, tawdry, demeaning, and offensive is an understatement," said Rehal's lawyer Genie Harrison.
Evidence will show claims "for money" are untrue: Weinstein's spokeswoman
"Mr. Weinstein categorically denies these claims and his lawyers will respond in the appropriate legal forum with evidence proving they are untrue," stated Weinstein's spokeswoman Holly Baird. She added the evidence will prove Rehal's claims "for money are in the realm of a science fiction movie". Harvey Weinstein's brother Bob, his company, and the HR head Frank Gill were also named in the lawsuit.
