Harvey Weinstein sues former company over personal records

Harvey Weinstein is taking legal action against his former company in an attempt to access personal files and emails.

The film producer claims The Weinstein Company has denied his lawyer's request for documents he will use to defend himself against allegations, BBC News reports.

Weinstein has been accused of rape, sexual assault and harassment by a number of actresses and employees.

He insists any sexual relations he had were consensual.

In a separate development, the CEO of the organisation behind the Academy Awards has written to its members to lay out steps in establishing a new code of conduct to cover sexual harassment.

Dawn Hudson said the board of governors of the Academy would be outlining details in meetings later this year.