Hollywood women accuse Weinstein of rape, abuse
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was due to hold an emergency session on Saturday to discuss kicking out Harvey Weinstein amid mounting sexual harassment, assault and rape accusations.
At least 40 Hollywood stars allege that Weinstein sexually harassed them or made unwanted advances since the publication last week of an explosive New York Times report alleging a history of abusive behaviour dating back decades.
Since the outbreak of the scandal, several actresses including Mira Sorvino, Rosanna Arquette, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Lea Seydoux, Cara Delevingne, Kate Beckinsale, Rose McGowan, Heather Graham among others have said they were sexually harassed by the producer.
With the Academy’s image already damaged over the 2016 ‘Oscars so white’ controversy over the lack of racial diversity among acting nominees, it can’t be seen to be supporting a “serial sexual predator”.
Weinstein’s films have received more than 300 Oscar nominations and 81 statuettes, according to The Weinstein Company, which he co-founded after selling Miramax.
The studio fired him on Sunday and is exploring a sale or shutdown.
Weinstein was seen in public for the first time in days when paparazzi descended upon him as he left his daughter’s home in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
“Guys, I’m not doing OK but I’m trying,” he said in a video obtained by ABC. Weinstein later flew to rehab in Arizona, possibly at The Meadows, a facility near Phoenix where golfer Tiger Woods and supermodel Kate Moss have been treated.
Meanwhile the producer’s wife, English fashion designer Georgina Chapman, has said she plans to divorce him.
Oprah Winfrey says Weinstein’s behavior is “hideous”.
She took to Facebook to say that thanks to the brave voices who have accused Weinstein, “many more will now be emboldened to come forward EVERY time this happens.”
She added: “I believe a shift is coming.”.