Harvey Weinstein: A Crime Finally Brought to the Light
On Oct. 5, a scandalous p
attern of sexual allegations against Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, emerged through a series of bombshell investigations published by The New York Times, as well as a variety of other outlets.
The New York Times reported a total number of 50 accusations of varying degrees of harassment (including at least 14 allegations he exposed himself), and 13 accusations of sexual assault against Weinstein. Within 30 years, Weinstein has left emotional scars on many women. Some of the famous actresses who were victim of his harassment included Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Judith Godrèche, and many more iconic females.
Following the reports, more and more women have spoken publicly about their experiences with Weinstein. Based on their personal stories, most of Weinstein’s encounters followed a certain pattern. His business trips often turned into a night of sexual harassment or assault.
Weinstein’s sexual attempts began with him inviting his chosen female to his hotel room. He then performed various moves, ranging from wearing only a bathrobe, offering alcohol, asking for a massage to showing up completely naked and forcing himself on his victims.
In response to these allegations, Weinstein recently sent a statement to The New York Times investigation, claiming he was sorry for his actions.
“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,” Weinstein began. “I have since learned it’s not an excuse, in the office – or out of it. To anyone. I realized some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed. I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it.”
Weinstein’s apology, however, did not appear sincere as he then denied many of the accusations as patently false. Weinstein’s lawyer is currently preparing a lawsuit against The New York Times publication, stating that the reported allegations were “false and defamatory.”
Additionally, Weinstein has also been asking top talent agents to prevent his termination from the Weinstein Company.
“Do not let me be fired,” wrote Weinstein in an email that was leaked to The New York Times. “If the industry supports me, that is all I need.”
For a majority of time during his career, Weinstein’s fame seemed to have masked him from a long-spanning history of misconduct against women. He earned such a powerful image in the industry that many women whom he allegedly harassed or violated did not speak up out of fear for their careers.
Yet, his fame came back to bite him. Since Oct.5, when The New York Times first revealed his act, there has been non-stop updates on many more harassment Weinstein has made, making it harder for people to believe in his so called apology to the public.