Producer Harvey Weinstein dominated Hollywood for four decades, but his rule has come to an end after his dismissal over a series of sexual harassment allegations. Though the accusations have only just (apparently) come to light, Weinstein’s misconduct has been going on for years. Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan are among those who have accused the producer.
In a report from The New York Times last week, it was revelaed that Weinstein had paid off sexual harassment accusers for decades. “At least eight settlements with women” have taken place, and the revelation has proved the turning point in the case.
The Weinstein Company commented, “In light of new information about misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days, the directors of The Weinstein Company — Robert Weinstein, Lance Maerov, Richard Koenigsberg and Tarak Ben Ammar — have determined, and have informed Harvey Weinstein, that his employment with The Weinstein Company is terminated, effective immediately.”
Sunday’s meeting was reportedly explosive, and despite an offer to settle with the company and leave, Harvey Weinstein refused, forced to a more embarrassing – and publicly pleasing – departure. Harvey stated that the thought the scandal would “blow over“, but the board were clearly in disagreement.
Harvey’s nonchalant attitude continues, “I came of age in the 60’s and 70’s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different. That was the culture then.”
The news isn’t the first case of big names taking advantage of their positions in Hollywood to exploit young women. The most notable case is that of director Roman Polanski who committed five offenses against a 13-year-old girl, though he has not – to the anger of many – officially been shunned by the film industry, and continues to work.
An investigation, under law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, will continue despite the firing. So far, Hollywood’s reaction has very much been in favour of the board, thanking them for making a rare step in criticising and dismissing such a big Hollywood figure.
#Peace.Love.HarveyWeinstein
