I was a pioneer for women in Hollywood, claims Weinstein

HARVEY Weinstein has gone on the offensive before his rape trial next month – claiming he has done more for women in Hollywood than any other filmmaker.

The disgraced film producer used his first interview in a year to complain that his promotion of the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow has been ‘eviscerated’ by the abuse allegations against him.

He said he felt like the ‘forgotten man’ because his ‘pioneering’ legacy of introducing future A-list actresses was being ignored.

Weinstein, 67, has become a focal point for the MeToo movement after more than 80 women accused him of sexual misconduct. He faces trial in New York next month on rape and sexual assault charges, which he denies. Speaking to the New York Post yesterday, he said: ‘I feel like the forgotten man. I made more movies directed by women and about women than any filmmaker, and I’m talking 30 years ago – not now when it’s vogue. I did it first. I pioneered it.’

But the interview drew a cutting response from 23 women, including actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, who make up a group known as the ‘silence breakers’.

They said Weinstein was trying to ‘gaslight society again’. ‘He says he doesn’t want to be forgotten. Well, he won’t be. He will be remembered as a sexual predator and an unrepentant abuser who took everything and deserves nothing,’ they added. Miss McGowan later tweeted: ‘I didn’t forget you, Harvey. My body didn’t forget you. I wish it could.’

Weinstein agreed to the interview to dispel rumours that he was faking a back injury to win sympathy from the jury. He was seen in court with a walking frame last week but was photographed without it days earlier.

Weinstein said he had had a three-hour operation after hurting his back in a car crash.

Recuperating on a wing of the New York-Presbyterian hospital, which has marble bathrooms, Italian linens and a private chef, he refused to address directly the allegations against him.

The newspaper described him as being the ‘characteristic bully’ he is known as, repeatedly threatening to end the interview when asked questions he did not like.