Harvey Weinstein: First UK civil claim made against film producer

The first UK civil claim against Harvey Weinstein has been issued in the High Court.

A woman, who worked in the film industry and wishes to remain anonymous, is alleging a series of sexual assaults by the film producer.

The claim, which was lodged by personal injury lawyer Jill Greenfield on the woman's behalf, is expected to exceed £300,000.

Harvey Weinstein denies any allegations of non-consensual sex.

The claim form, which has been seen by the BBC, states the woman is seeking damages for personal injury, expenses, and consequential loss.

It also includes a claim against the Weinstein Company UK Ltd and the Weinstein Company LLC in the US, who are liable as employers of Weinstein.

It's understood the woman has not yet submitted an official complaint to Scotland Yard, but Ms Greenfield confirmed to the BBC she expects a criminal case to run at the same time as the civil claim.

UK police investigating the movie mogul confirmed last month they are now looking at sexual assault allegations from seven women.

Meanwhile, an actress named Kadian Noble has accused Weinstein of luring her into a hotel room in the south of France and assaulting her in 2014.

In a civil action filed in New York on Monday, she claims a violation of US federal sex trafficking laws by Weinstein, his brother Bob and The Weinstein Company.

As well as denying allegations of non-consensual sex, Weinstein has said - in a statement issued on his behalf - that "there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances".

Bob Weinstein has yet to respond to the suit, but has denied any knowledge in his brother Harvey's alleged misconduct.

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