This week, reports have come out alleging that Harvey Weinstein, the longtime head of The Weinstein Company, has dealt with several sexual harassment allegations, including allegations from high profile celebrities such as Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. Following the New York Times report, Weinstein said he will be taking a leave of absence, but during that time, it doesn't look as if he'll sit back and hide from the public eye. He's already responded to the sexual harassment allegations, saying he is taking legal action against the Times. He also says he needs to work on himself.
While Harvey Weinstein doesn't outright deny that he has dealt with issues with women, including Ashley Judd, he recently told Page Six that he feels the initial report that came out was overblown. While the report states that Ashley Judd dealt with a lot of overt sexual advances on the set of Kiss The Girls, Weinstein says she later appeared in two other Weinstein films. He doesn't specifically mention other women listed in the report, including Ambra Battilana, who reportedly settled with the company after Weinstein made advances to her in 2015. Rose McGowan reportedly also made another similar settlement back in 1997, among others. Now, Weinstein says he plans to reach out to Judd after things die down, saying,
I know Ashley Judd is going through a tough time right now, I read her book in which she talks about being the victim of sexual abuse and depression as a child. Her life story was brutal, and I have to respect her. In a year from now I am going to reach out to her.
Harvey Weinstein also claims that the New York Times was in fear of being scooped and did not accurately confirm or fact-check everything in the expose feature. He has hired Charles Harder, Hulk Hogan's famed lawyer, to sue the newspaper.
While Harvey Weinstein is claiming the report related to harassment allegations is riddled with holes, he does say he takes some responsibility for personality issues he says he has, noting,
I also have the worst temper known to mankind, my system is all wrong, and sometimes I create too much tension. I lose it, and I am emotional, that's why I've got to spend more time with a therapist and go away. My temper makes people feel intimidated, but I don't even know when I'm doing it. In the past I used to compliment people, and some took it as me being sexual, I won't do that again. I admit to a whole way of behavior that is not good. I can't talk specifics, but I put myself in positions that were stupid, I want to respect women and do things better.
This whole thing is a mess, and it looks as if it may be heading into litigation soon. We'll let you know if the lawsuit against the newspaper ends up moving forward, and if any more information comes to light regarding the allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
