MacFarlane’s 2013 dig at Weinstein made clear
“Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, who took a swipe at Harvey Weinstein during the televised Oscar-nominations announcement in 2013, said today the barb came from “a place of loathing and anger” sparked by a Weinstein harassment allegation made by one of MacFarlane’s co-stars in the film “Ted.”
“In 2011, my friend and colleague Jessica Barth, with whom I worked on the ‘Ted’ films, confided in me regarding her encounter with Harvey Weinstein and his attempted advances,” MacFarlane wrote on his Twitter page. “She has since courageously come forward to speak out. It was with this account in mind that, when I hosted the Oscars in 2013, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a hard swing in his direction. Make no mistake, this came from a place of loathing and anger.” Barth has said she met with the producer in a hotel room in 2011 and he offered her a film role if she would give him a naked massage in bed. During the Oscar-nominations announcement in January 2013, MacFarlane stood next to actress Emma Stone and announced the nominees for best supporting actress. After reading the names, he added, “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.”