Weinstein rejects star’s claims on behaviour

Harvey Weinstein has responded to accusations from Cate Blanchett that he behaved inappropriately towards her.

The Oscar-winning actress earlier this week joined the list of Hollywood stars making allegations against the film producer, following claims made by others including Rose McGowan, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Blanchett replied in the affirmative when asked by US entertainment magazine Variety if Weinstein – who she worked with on films such as The Talented Mr Ripley, Carol and The Aviator – had sexually harassed or behaved inappropriately towards her.

Weinstein replied in a statement released by his spokesman: “Mr Weinstein believes there were never any personal or even professional disagreements between the two.”

Blanchett said: “I think he really primarily preyed, like most predators, on the vulnerable. I mean, I got a bad feeling from him. He would often say to me, ‘We’re not friends’.”

When asked what Weinstein had meant by that, Blanchett replied: “Well, I wouldn’t do what he was asking me to do.”

Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women and is the subject of police investigations in London, New York and Los Angeles.

He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.

Cate Blanchett says Weinstein preyed on the vulnerable.