Harvey Weinstein's lawyer says 'no criminality' in producer's behavior

Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein's attorney says there was "no criminality" in his client's behavior, according to a new statement.

Issued Sunday and first published by Deadline, Weinstein's attorney Ben Brafman responded to the civil rights lawsuit now filed against Weinstein, his brother Bob, and The Weinstein Company by NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

According to Reuters, Schneiderman claims the company’s board and executives failed to adequately protect employees from Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, including rape, by over 70 women. Weinstein has constantly denied anything non-consensual happened.

"While Mr. Weinstein’s behavior was not without fault, there certainly was no criminality," said Brafman's statement. In fact, Weinstein would embrace an investigation, according to Brafman, if the purpose of it was to "encourage reform" in the film industry. "If the purpose however is to scapegoat Mr. Weinstein, he will vigorously defend himself."

Here's the full statement:

We believe that a fair investigation by Mr. Schneiderman will demonstrate that many of the allegations against Harvey Weinstein are without merit. While Mr. Weinstein’s behavior was not without fault, there certainly was no criminality, and at the end of the inquiry it will be clear that Harvey Weinstein promoted more women to key executive positions than any other industry leader and there was zero discrimination at either Miramax or TWC.

If the purpose of the inquiry is to encourage reform throughout the film industry, Mr. Weinstein will embrace the investigation. If the purpose however is to scapegoat Mr. Weinstein, he will vigorously defend himself.

Hoo boy.