Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BBC pulls Boxing Day drama after star Ed Westwick accused of rape
‘Reporters stoking MP sex crisis’ ‘Weinstein spy sorry’
A TORY MP has blamed female journalists for fuelling the Westminster sex scandal, saying some are “wilting flowers”.
Sir Roger Gale, 74, believes politicians are being treated as “guilty” over claims about what might have happened at lunches years ago.
He said the women had stoked a fear of unease in Parliament, adding: “Yes, female journalists are responsible.
“There are journalists who after years have suddenly said, ‘Oh, you and I had an experience’.
“Where are all these people coming from who are such wilting flowers? Nobody makes them go and have lunch.”
Sir Roger added: “For 35 years, I have had work experience kids in London. But [now] I can’t do it... isn’t that sad?”
Westminster journalist Jane Merrick wrote on Twitter: “What journalist would ever want to take Roger Gale out to lunch?”
Tory MP Charlie Elphicke has broken cover to say he has no idea what the allegations against him were.
He insists he is innocent but had the whip removed when serious allegations were passed to police. AN intelligence company has said sorry for its work with Harvey Weinstein.
It was reported the movie mogul hired Black Cube to obtain data on people chasing him over alleged sex harassment.
Asher Tishler, from the Israeli investigations firm’s board, said: “It’s a shame we took the job.
“We apologise to those hurt by this.”
Some 50 women have accused Weinstein, 65, of abuse, which he denies. THE BBC has pulled a big-budget drama starring Ed Westwick from its Christmas schedules.
The actor was to appear in Agatha Christie murder mystery Ordeal By Innocence on Boxing Day alongside a star-studded cast including Bill Nighy and Eleanor Tomlinson.
But after being accused of rape by two women – which he denies – the corporation cancelled the drama and also said Westwick was “paused from filming” comedy White Gold.
The Christie adaptation follows last year’s popular The Witness for the Prosecution, from the same author.
The BBC said in a statement: “These are serious allegations, which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied.
“The BBC is not making any judgment, but until these matters are resolved, we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules. The independent production company making White Gold has informed us Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations.”
Shooting on the second series of White Gold started at the end of October and it was believed Westwick, 30, was still in his role on Thursday morning – after the second rape allegation came to light.
It is thought the decision was taken after talking to his La-based agent that evening.
It came after Aurelie Wynn claimed the star of US TV series Gossip Girl attacked her in 2014 in Los Angeles.
The allegation was made a day after actress Kristina Cohen claimed he raped her, also in LA in 2014.
In a Facebook post, ex-actor Aurelie said: “Like Kristina, I said no and he pushed me face down and was powerless under his weight.
“I was wearing a one piece bathing suit that he ripped, I was in complete shock. I am also very tiny.”
Westwick has said: “It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and provably untrue social media claims, there are some in this environment who could ever conclude I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct.
“I have absolutely not and I am co-operating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible.”
Ms Cohen, 27, has lodged her complaint with the LA police.