Producer Harvey Weinstein has hit back at the New York Times after allegations of sexual assault were published in the esteemed newspaper. The Hollywood heavyweight is accused of committing sexual offences against a number of women including actress Ashley Judd.
Judd spoke out about an event over 20 years ago in which she was asked to meet Weinstein for breakfast and he invited her up to his hotel room. She recalls that he asked her to watch him shower. She said ‘How do I get out of the room as fast as possible without alienating Harvey Weinstein?’
Another woman who was a tempory worker at the company spoke of a similar event. She said that he coerced her into giving him a massage while he was naked on the bed. He also told the other woman, who remains anonymous, that he would help boost he career if she participated in the suggestions he was making.
The newspaper also claimed that the Weinstein company has made a financial settlement with eight women over the past 30 years. It is reported that two employees from the organisation have come forward to reveal the details of the payoffs so long as they can remain anonymous.
A legal document was obtained that showed the company paid $100,00 to a woman back in 1997. However, a stipulation was made that the money was ‘not to be construed as an admission.’