Last year, we published an overview of the #MeToo litigation landscape describing the rise of related shareholder derivative claims and securities class actions. #MeToo-related litigation shows no signs of abating. In 2019, at least 10 new lawsuits were filed asserting securities law claims based on corporate sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, consistent with the pace of filings in 2017 and 2018.

Harvey Weinstein’s recent conviction by a New York jury of third-degree rape and commission of a criminal sexual act is a stark example of the legal consequences of sexual violence and misconduct. When the perpetrator is a high-ranking corporate executive, there are ramifications for the corporation: The Weinstein Company filed for bankruptcy and was acquired for purportedly a fraction of its value before the allegations of misconduct surfaced.