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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 6, 2022) – A well known Hollywood executive producer and writer identified as Eric Weinberg has been charged with sexually assaulting 5 women.
Los Angeles prosecutors announced the charges on Wednesday. Eric Weinberg is being accused of luring multiple women to photo shoots before sexually assaulting them.
Weinberg, 62, is being charged with 18 counts including rape, oral copulation, forcible sexual penetration, sexual battery by restraint, false imprisonment by use of violence and numerous other crimes.
Prosecutors are saying that the attacks occurred between 2014 and 2019. However, investigators are seeking other victims. They believe there may have been other assaults dating back to the 1990’s.
Authorities believe that Eric Weinberg used his Hollywood credentials to lure young women before the assaults. One woman said that she met Weinberg at a coffee shop in 2014 and he convinced her to come to his home for a photo shoot.
She alleges that during the photo shoot, she stripped down to her underwear before being choked and raped. Weinberg was held on a $5 million bond which he posted before being released.
His arraignment is set for October 25, 2022. A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability For Sexual Assaults In The Film Industry
Sexual assaults in the film industry are far more common than many people realize. According to one survey in The Guardian, 94% of all women in Hollywood experience sexual harassment or assault. The women surveyed worked all across the film industry including as directors, actors and editors. The scope of the problem was not fully within the public zeitgeist until Harvey Weinstein was arrested and prosecuted. Weinstein was a well known and respected film producer who has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual harassment and/or rape. Many of the reported sexual assaults in Hollywood share a number of similarities.
- Powerful, well-connected and influential men will promise young women jobs or roles in movies.
- The men will then begin to groom their victims.
- Most of the affected women are just starting out in the film industry and do not have much money or influence.
- The perpetrators will then begin to find ways to isolate the victims. This could include inviting them to their homes or hotels for “meetings,” “rehearsals” or “photo shoots.”
It is a crime for any adult to engage in non-consensual sexual activity with another person. Pursuant to California Penal Code Chapter 1 Section 261), rape is an act of sexual intercourse with a person which is accomplished by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury. It is extremely common for sexual predators in the film industry to threaten female actresses by saying that they will take roles away if their advances are rejected. This is also illegal. Under California law, employers and managers are not allowed to make sexual advances on their subordinate employees.
When a film executive abuses their power and sexually assaults someone, the production company that they work for could be held at fault. Under California law, an employer is strictly liable for any harassment or sexual abuse that occurs in the workplace. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual abuse including distributing information to employees about sexual harassment prevention. When an employer reasonably suspects sexual abuse or sexual assaults against their employees, the authorities should be notified. If an employer fails to take action to protect workers from sexual assault, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- All communication with the perpetrator should be kept.
- A police report should be made.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A sexual abuse attorney should be consulted.
Sexual assault is one of the most difficult things that most people will ever go through in their lives. Victims of sexual assault are often psychologically scarred for life. They are also much more susceptible to numerous negative long-term health outcomes. Any person that has been sexually abused by a film executive may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sexual Assaults In The Film Industry
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been harmed by Eric Weinberg. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be transparency and accountability for the sake of the victims. Prosecutors should also not overlook the people who may have facilitated or enabled any abuse that took place. No one – no matter how rich or influential – is above the law.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused or harassed while working in the entertainment industry? Our team of experienced and compassionate sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We focus particularly on helping victims of sexual abuse and have recovered millions for our deserving clients. Our legal team is committed to helping you get the justice and support that you are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about pursuing a legal claim, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375. Se habla español.
