Rape complainant steps forward
NEW YORK: British actress Lysette Anthony says she has told police that disgraced Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein raped her in the 1980s.
Anthony (54), who appears in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, told the Sunday Times newspaper Weinstein attacked her after showing up at her London home. She said she was left feeling ‘‘disgusted and embarrassed’’.
It was reported last week London police were investigating a rape allegation against the producer relating to an incident in the ’80s.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed their investigation without identifying Weinstein.
The accusation comes after dozens of women, including actresses Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow, went public with accusations against Wein stein following recent reports by The New York Times and The New Yorker detailing misconduct claims by others.
Weinstein has denied any nonconsensual sexual conduct with any women.
On Saturday, the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced it was expelling the producer.
It said the board took the action to ‘‘send a message that the era of wilful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behaviour and workplace harassment in our industry is over’’.
The decision follows Weinstein’s suspension last Wednes day from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
France has now started the process of stripping Weinstein of his Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian distinction, President Emmanuel Macron’s office said yesterday.
‘‘The French Presidency has started discussing this case with the Grande Chancellerie de la Legion d’honneur,’’ a spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, Weinstein’s brother and cofounder of their film company that now finds itself in crisis said he had no idea about ‘‘the type of predator’’ his brother was accused of being.
‘‘I want him to get the justice he deserves,’’ Bob Weinstein said.
‘‘I’m mortified and disgusted by my brother’s actions. And I am sick for the victims and I feel for them.’’ — AP/Reuters