Last week Hollywood was rocked when The New York Times published allegations of sexual assault against legendary film producer Harvey Weinstein. With such big news, media has been going crazy and it’s hard to keep up. Here’s the Harvey Weinstein scandal explained.
On October 5th The New York Times published an article with allegations against Harvey Weinstein for sexual harassment and assault spanning over three decades. Allegations include those from actresses who were asked to visit Weinstein in his hotel room privately, to female staff within his company.
Actress Ashley Judd spoke out claiming he asked her up to his hotel room where he was naked except for a bathrobe. He asked her for a massage or for her to watch him shower.
Female employee Emily Nestor explains that he offered her a career boost if she accepted his sexual advances. In 2015 Lauren O’Connor wrote a memo to executives of the company run by Weinstein informing them of the sexual harassment faced by female employees. “There is a toxic environment for women at this company,” she wrote
The New York Times explains that their investigation showed at least 8 women who reached settlements with Weinstein including O’Connor.
The apology and denial and firing
Originally after the article came out, Weinstein issued an apology.
“I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.” apologises Weinstein.
However, his lawyer Lisa Bloom states, “he denies many of the accusations as patently false. Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.”
By Friday evening one-third of the all-male board resigned from Weinstein’s company.
Weinstein’s company fired him Sunday evening. They had a brief internal investigation in 2015 but found evidence lacking. The firing this past week is explained by them, “in light of new information about misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days.”
Weinstein has also had his BAFTA membership suspended.
More women and men speak out
It can be incredibly difficult for victims of sexual predators to speak out. One re-occurring narrative from the women speaking out is about how powerless they felt. They believe Weinstein to be manipulative and feared their careers should they speak out.
Many explained they were made to feel it was their fault if they rejected his advances.
After the initial story broke, more women are coming out with their own stories involving Weinstein. Amongst them include A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Gwenth Paltrow and Cara Delevingne.
Allegations both on record and anonymous range from inappropriate groping, to full non-consensual vaginal penetration.
Male actors including Benedict Cumberbatch, who has had lead roles in Weinstein productions announced his disgust by the allegations, “We need to collectively stand up and support victims of abuse such as the brave and inspiring women who have spoken out against him and say we hear you and believe you. ”
Actor Tom Hanks who has worked with Weinstein commented, “Aah, it all just sort of fits, doesn’t it?” upon finding out about the allegations.
Marriage separation and rehab
Weinstein’s wife, Georgina Chapman has left her husband giving the statement, “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions. I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”
Harvey Weinstein accepts her choice, confirming “I support her decision, I am in counseling and perhaps, when I am better, we can rebuild. Over the last week, there has been a lot of pain for my family that I take responsibility for,”.
TMZ reported on Wednesday that Weinstein went to Rehab in Meadows rehab center, Wickenburg, for sex addiction amongst other things. This comes after speculation that he was planning to go to rehab in Switzerland.
What’s next and the law
The New York Police Department have stated that they are re-opening a case from 2004 involving Harvey Weinstein. The case involved Lucia Evans who was a college student at a time. She accuses Weinstein of forcing her to perform oral sex acts.
The NYPD also have Weinstein admitting to groping an actress on tape from an investigation in 2015. However, the district attorney did not pursue that case in 2015 on the grounds that the tape recording was not sufficient evidence due to wording used.
District Attorney Cyrus Vance received a $10,000 donation from Weinstein’s lawyer a few months after charges were dropped.
New York doesn’t have a statute of limitations of sexual assault cases. Whether a case is pursued however will depend on if prosecutors believe there will be enough evidence for a conviction.