Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein faces civil claim in UK for alleged assault

Harvey Weinstein has been accused by dozens of women of sexual abuse, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Mira Sorvino.

Now, Weinstein has been slapped damages claim in a London court by a woman who has accused the Hollywood producer of sexual assault.

Personal injury lawyer Jill Greenfield says her client, who hasn't been identified, is seeking damages for "personal injury" plus expenses and "consequential loss" arising out of a series of sexual assaults by Weinstein.

Civil claims for rape and sexual assault are exceptional in Britain. Greenfield's firm, Fieldfisher, said that this is the first such claim in Britain against Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by more than 50 women.

Papers for the claim have been filed at the High Court, but no date has been set for a hearing.

British police are also investigating several sexual assault claims made by the woman against Weinstein.