BRIT COPS TO PROBE FILM BOSS OVER SEX ATTACK
Weinstein faces fresh UK claims
BRITISH police last night launched a probe into alleged sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein.
Scotland Yard confirmed officers are investigating an alleged assault in London in the 1980s.
The claim was originally made to police in Merseyside.
The news came as the New York Police Department started its own inquiry into movie mogul Weinstein.
The police action follows an avalanche of claims of sexual impropriety made against the 65-year-old by some of the movie industry’s most famous actresses.
A Met Police spokesman said: “We can confirm the Metropolitan Police Service was passed an allegation of sexual assault by Merseyside Police.
“The allegation will be assessed by officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command.”
There is no suggestion the allegation relates to child abuse.
Mistakes
A spokesman for police in Liverpool said: “Merseyside Police can confirm a report was received of an alleged sexual assault in the London area in the 1980s.
“The report has been referred to the Metropolitan Police.”
Weinstein’s spokesman has previously said about other claims: “Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied.”
Yesterday the producer was seen looking scruffy in jeans as he left his daughter’s house in Los Angeles.
He swore and pleaded with reporters to be nice to him.
The filmmaker said: “I’m not doing OK. I gotta get help.
“You know what, we all make mistakes.
“I’ve always been loyal to you guys. Not like those f***ing p **** s that treat you like s**t. I’ve been a good guy.”
Hollywood has been rocked by claims that Weinstein raped three women.
Other claims of unwanted sexual advances have been made by many actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie.
Weinstein has reportedly jetted off to The Meadows rehab clinic in Arizona to seek treatment.
His brother Bob called him a “very sick man”. Weinstein has been sacked by his own company and his wife Georgina announced she was leaving him.
Bosses of the Oscars will meet tomorrow to discuss what action they will take.
British film academy Bafta has already suspended Weinstein’s membership.
Lt John Grimpel, of the New York Police Department, said: “The NYPD is conducting a review to determine if there are any additional complaints relating to the Harvey Weinstein matter.”
Meanwhile comedian Jim Davidson called the allegations against Weinstein “trial by television”.
The 63-year-old was asked about the movie producer on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
He said: “It’s not very nice, the stories that’s coming out.
“It is a stigma that doesn’t go away, I have to tell you.”
Davidson was arrested in 2013 on suspicion of historic sexual offences but was later told he would face no further action.