‘Harvey could be scary and intimidating – but he’s not the only one’

Hollywood may appear to be reeling from the news of Weinstein’s behaviour, but British model and actress Lady Victoria Hervey insists the casting couch is nothing new.

The 41 year old moved to LA in 2003 and became friends with the film guru and his wife Georgina through the showbiz circuit. Speaking exclusively to Closer, she says, “These allegations are nothing new. Everyone has known for a long time that dodgy things go on in Hollywood. It’s not just Harvey who gets up to this sort of thing; there are so many rumours about other directors, managers and producers.”

She adds, “Harvey has always been friendly to me. But he could be intimidating at Hollywood events. A lot of these big directors and producers were nerds at school, so, now they have power, they take advantage of girls. I’ve heard of some even holding fake castings to get girls.”

Victoria reveals she almost fell victim to Hollywood’s sleazy casting couch in LA, saying, “I had it happen to me in the early 2000s when I first moved to LA. If I wasn’t going to sleep with the casting director, I wasn’t going to get the role. And I didn’t do it, so I didn’t get the part. It’s the way it works a lot of the time.”

And Victoria warns that the casting couch isn’t restricted to Hollywood, adding, “Of course it must happen all over the world. These men in positions of power think it’s OK to abuse that power, because girls – and even guys – are so determined to become stars. Male models are sometimes forced to sleep with male casting directors to be cast. Sadly, it’s the nature of the industry.” ● Lady Victoria stars in Celebrity Showmance, Weds, 9pm, ITV2