Harvey Weinstein and the US business of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have agreed to drop competing lawsuits over a 2019 crash in which the now-jailed former Hollywood film producer flipped his Jeep Wrangler while trying to avoid a deer.
Under a joint settlement filed Wednesday night in federal court in Manhattan and subject to a judge’s approval, Weinstein and Chrysler dismiss all claims against each other with prejudice, meaning they cannot be brought again.
A spokesman for Weinstein declined to comment. Attorneys for Chrysler did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In his June 7 complaint, Weinstein sought $5 million in damages for the Aug. 17, 2019, accident in Bedford, New York, which left him with “catastrophic injuries” and severe pain from spinal and back injuries.
Weinstein said he was wearing a seat belt when the brakes failed on an “unreasonably dangerous” 2017 Wrangler that Chrysler provided in exchange for product placement in the film.
Chrysler, now owned by Stellantis, filed a counterclaim on June 29, saying the Wrangler was unsafe and Weinstein’s negligence was to blame. The automaker wanted him to cover his legal costs.
Bedford is about 40 miles (64 km) north of Manhattan.
Weinstein, 70, is serving a 23-year prison term after a Manhattan jury convicted him of sexual assault and rape in February 2020.
He was using a walker during the trial after back surgery in December 2019.
Weinstein is expected to stand trial in Los Angeles in October on 11 additional charges, including rape and sexual assault, for conduct between 2004 and 2013.
He pleaded not guilty. Weinstein denies any non-consensual sex.
