Harvey Weinstein has been fired over sexual harassment allegations

Here's everything we know so far about Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment allegations, from who has come forward to what other A-list women have to say...

Weinsteingate
(Image credit: Rex)

Here's everything we know so far about Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment allegations, from who has come forward to what other A-list women have to say...

Oscar-winning Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been fired from the company he co-founded, after reports that the 65-year-old has been sexually harassing female employees, paying off his accusers for decades.

The multiple reports of sexual harassment were uncovered in a New York Times investigation and are said to date back 3o years, with the revelation leading to a third of the company's all-male board resigning and Weinstein announcing that he would be taking a leave of absence.

'The way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain and I sincerely apologise for it,' announced the married father of five, issuing a public apology last week as he explained his leave of absence.

The Weinstein Company announced on Sunday however that 'in light of new information about misconduct', the 65-year-old has now been fired 'effective immediately'.

Harvey Weinstein and wife Georgina Chapman. Credit: Rex

Who has accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment?

Numerous women have reportedly been sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein, with the producer apparently promising to advance their careers in return for sexual favours.

Multiple women reported to going to Harvey's hotel on the illusion of a business meeting, only to be met by the producer in a bath robe, with Ashley Judd, Emily Nestor and a female assistant coming forward.

'I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask,' Ashley Judd explained. 'It was all this bargaining, this coercive bargaining.'

Ashley Judd. Credit: Rex

Rose McGowan is another actress who reported sexual harassment, with the actress said to have reached a $100,000 settlement with the producer in 1997 after a similar episode in a hotel room when she was just 23-years-old.

‘Men in Hollywood need to change ASAP,’ she explained to The Hollywood Reporter. ‘Hollywood's power is dying because society has changed and grown, and yet Hollywood male behaviour has not.’

Italian model and actress Ambra Battilana went as far as to call the police on Weinstein in 2015 after a meeting at his office to discuss her career reportedly turned into the producer grabbing her breasts and putting his hands up her skirt.

In fact, on closer inspection, the sexual harassment allegations seem to stretch three decades, with Harvey's former colleague Lauren O'Connor featuring it in her memoir.

'There is a toxic environment for women at this company,' she explained, going on to describe what it was like to work with the Hollywood producer. 'I am a professional and have tried to be professional,' she explained. 'I am not treated that was however. I am sexualised and diminished.'

She continued: 'I am a 28-year-old woman trying to make a living and a career. Harvey Weinstein is a 64-year-old, world famous man and this is his company. The balance of power is me: 0, Harvey Weinstein: 10.'

What does Hollywood have to say about the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment allegations?

Unsurprisingly some leading Hollywood stars have a lot to say about the Weinstein controversy, with Brie Larson, an advocate for assault victims, taking to her social media to post a message to survivors of sexual assault and harassment.

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'As always, I stand with the brave survivors of sexual assault and harassment. It's not your fault. I believe you,' she tweeted.

Lena Dunham has also spoken out about the situation, stating: 'The women who chose to speak about their experience of harassment by Harvey Weinstein deserve our awe. It's not fun or easy. It's brave.'

Producer Judd Apatow also weighed in on the controversy, taking issue with Weinstein's weak excuses, explaining, 'I came of age in the ‘60s and ‘70s, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different. That was the culture then. I have since learned it’s not an excuse, in the office – or out of it.'

Thankfully, Judd Apatow was quick to Twitter with a comeback, posting: ‘The 70’s were 37 years ago. You are blaming growing up in the 70’s? You haven’t picked up anything since then?’

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.