A Beverly Hills lawyer and his entertainment firm won a round in court Friday when a judge ruled that an actress who alleges he made her a sex slave under threat of ruining her career will have to take her case before an arbitrator rather than a jury.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Marmaro granted a motion by lawyers representing Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson & Binder LLP to force the case into arbitration so long as the defense pays the entire costs for the process.
The ruling also applies to the attorney, Neil Ettin Meyer, whose counsel joined in the firm’s motion.
Marmaro said in a written opinion that he believed the arbitration agreement the plaintiff signed was fair to both sides and not unduly favorable to the firm.
“In sum, the agreement is enforceable and is not unconscionable,” Marmaro wrote.
