Reaction to the accusations

“Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein. Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status. We should celebrate the courage of women who have come forward to tell these painful stories.” — Former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle, in a joint statement

“I was shocked and appalled by the revelations about Harvey Weinstein. The behavior described by women coming forward cannot be tolerated. Their courage and the support of others is critical in helping to stop this kind of behavior.”

— Hillary Clinton, via Twitter

“The shameless behavior of this powerful man found shameless co-conspirators in people hiding behind screen handles, who then tried to push their foulness on to women who are blameless.”

— Gretchen Mol, writing in The Hollywood Reporter

“I think that these are charges that need to be faced seriously, and things need to be done seriously about it because it’s not an isolated incident that gets solved or two incidents that get solved — it’s an attitude. It’s ingrained. Things are rigged to allow these things to happen and they need to be de-rigged to stop it. It’s not about case by case, it’s a whole attitude. And I think that people that come forward need our support and love and they need to be taken as seriously as you can in whatever your field is. It’s not just movies, it’s the world. Banking, publicity, fashion, you name it — it’s the way the world is rigged and it needs to change, the way we live as a species together, you know? End of story.” — writer/director Guillermo del Toro, in an interview with The Associated Press

“I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades. The additional allegations of assault that I read this morning made me sick. This is completely unacceptable, and I find myself asking what I can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to others. We need to do better at protecting our sisters, friends, co-workers and daughters. We must support those who come forward, condemn this type of behavior when we see it and help ensure there are more women in positions of power.”

— Ben Affleck, on Facebook and Twitter

“A lot of people are doing the ‘you had to know’ thing right now, and yes, if you’re asking if I knew that someone who was very powerful had a tendency to hit on young, beautiful women, sure. But I had no idea that it had gone to the level of having to pay off eight women for their silence, and that these women were threatened and victimized.”

— George Clooney, to the Daily Beast

“I am utterly disgusted by the continuing revelations of Harvey Weinstein’s horrifying and unforgivable actions. We need to collectively stand up and support victims of abuse such as the brave and inspiring women who have spoken out against him and say we hear you and believe you. That way others may be emboldened by our support to come forward and speak.”

— Benedict Cumberbatch, in a statement

“This morning, I just feel absolutely sick to my stomach. This kind of stuff can’t happen.”

— Matt Damon, to the trade website Deadline