Film producer Harvey Weinstein attends the 2016 amfAR New York Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, New York February 10, 2016. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)
Film mogul Harvey Weinstein is taking “indefinite leave” after a New York Times exposé revealed his alleged history of sexual harassment.
The extensive report accuses one of Hollywood’s most powerful men of decades of sexual misconduct with at least eight women.
Reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey said their investigation revealed “undisclosed allegations against Mr. Weinstein stretching over nearly three decades.”
Among those who accused Weinstein are former assistants, an actress, an Italian model, and women who wanted to find a foothold in the industry.
Yet it is reported that the allegations are no surprise to those in the inner circles of the entertainment industry.
Weinstein is married to London-born fashion designer Georgina Rose Chapman. (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Shortly after the bombshell exposé, Weinstein apologized for his behavior in a statement sent to The New York Times. The married father of five said that he “caused a lot of pain” and admitted that he knows he has “a long way to go.”
“My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons,” he wrote. He also said that he has asked the celebrity attorney Lisa Bloom to tutor him.
The Weinstein company board said they have begun an independent investigation into the film mogul.
Weinstein is the co-founder of The Miramax and Weinstein Company and produced films such as “Shakespeare in Love” and “The King’s Speech”. Reports said one-third of his company’s board left him.
American actress Ashley Judd is an alleged victim of sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein. (Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Muhammad Ali Center)
But early on Saturday afternoon, Lisa Bloom announced her resignation. She had previously tweeted in a statement that Weinstein is “an old dinosaur learning new ways.”
“I have resigned as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein. My understanding is that Mr. Weinstein and his board are moving toward an agreement,” she wrote on Twitter.
Reports said that another attorney, Charles Harder plans to sue The New York Times.
Harder wrote in an email to The Hollywood Reporter that The New York Times story is “saturated with false and defamatory statements about Harvey Weinstein.”
He continued, “We sent the Times the facts and evidence, but they ignored it and rushed to publish. We are preparing the lawsuit now.”
The film mogul is well-known to support liberal causes and has given generously to Democratic candidates. Obama’s daughter, Malia, recently interned at his company.
Hillary Rodham Clinton and producer Harvey Weinstein attend the TIME 100 Gala, TIME'S 100 Most Influential People In The World, cocktail party at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York in this file photo. (Larry Busacca/Getty Images for TIME)
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