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Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein apologises after sexual harassment allegations

High-profile movie & TV producer at the centre of explosive story alleging 3 decades of sexual harassment.

High-profile Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, 65, has been accused of decades of sexual harassment after an explosive story in the New York Times.

The article includes first person accounts of Weinstein’s alleged conduct, including from actress Ashley Judd, who recounted an incident from two decades ago, alleging he lured her to his hotel room for a “meeting,” then tried to coerce her into giving him a massage or watching him shower.

“Women have been talking about Harvey amongst ourselves for a long time, and it’s simply beyond time to have the conversation publicly,” Judd told the Times.

Two unnamed company officials tell the Times that at least eight women have received settlements from Weinstein over the years, including actress Rose McGowan, who allegedly had an incident with him in 1997 when she was 23.

Weinstein and his brother Bob formed independent movie studio Miramax in 1979. They later sold it and in 2005 set up The Weinstein Company. Weinstein’s hits have include movie blockbusters including Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, Chicago, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and The King’s Speech plus TV titles including Project Runway, Scream, Marco Polo, War & Peace, Doctor Thorne, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and Mob Wives.

“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 said in a statement. “Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go. That is my commitment. My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons.”

His statement did not address any specific incidents.

However Weinstein’s lawyer, Charles Harder, said the movie producer plans to sue the NY Times, claiming the story is riddled with inaccuracies.

Weinstein’s lawyer, Charles Harder, said the movie producer plans to sue the newspaper, claiming the Times story is riddled with inaccuracies.

Weinstein has indicated he will take a leave of absence from his company and seek therapy.

Source: NBC, Washington Times, ABC