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Weinstein Co. Drops Gag Orders Against Disgraced Movie Producer’s Accusers

Those who “suffered or witnessed” sexual misconduct are no longer obliged to stay quiet.

The Weinstein Company on Monday announced it will be dropping confidentiality provisions in nondisclosure agreements signed with those who “suffered or witnessed” alleged sexual misconduct by Harvey Weinstein, giving the green light to the disgraced movie mogul’s accusers to tell their stories. New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, who had long pushed for the move, hailed the decision as a “watershed moment” that will “finally enable voices that have for too long been muzzled to be heard.” Dozens of sexual misconduct and assault accusations against Weinstein— and allegations the Weinstein Company was complicit in the alleged abuse— thrust the movie studio into crisis last fall. On Monday, the company announced it had filed for bankruptcy protection and entered into a buyout agreement with an affiliate of Lantern Capital Partners, a private-equity firm. Lantern will reportedly buy out most of the company’s assets and retain its employees, provided that a court approves the deal.