Authorities in France say a film director accused of sexual assault and violent, controlling behavior has been handed preliminary charges of rape, sexual assault and violence by a judge investigating the case.

NEW YORK A $19 million settlement between Harvey Weinstein and some of his accusers and the state of New York was rejected Tuesday by a judge. U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in Manhattan said Weinsteins accusers in the proposed class-action settlement were too varied to be grouped together. Three lawyers for several women who had opposed the deal praised what they described as Hellersteins swift rejection of a one-sided proposal. On behalf of our clients, we look forward to pursuing justice against Harvey Weinstein and his many enablers.A spokesperson for Weinstein did not comment. Weve long held that we needed to find justice for all the women that Weinstein preyed upon in a fair and equitable way.