Accused of sexually assaulting more than 80 women, Harvey Weinstein is here to reassure us that he is the real victim in this situation.
In his first interview in over a year, Harvey Weinstein sat down with The New York Post to remind us of just how obnoxious he is. After being arrested in May 2018 and now facing life in prison, the Hollywood producer claims he “deserves a pat on the back when it comes to women”.
“I made more movies directed by women and about women than any filmmaker, and I’m talking about 30 years ago. I’m not talking about now when it’s vogue. I did it first! I pioneered it!” said Weinstein via The New York Post.
“I feel like the forgotten man”, says Weinstein. According to the alleged rapist, recent allegations have tarnished his legacy. After agreeing to an exclusive interview with The New York Post while he recovered from surgery, Weinstein revealed just how much responsibility he takes for his actions.
Forget the emotional and physical abuse he imposed on his victims, his reputation as a filmmaker is what counts to Weinstein. “It all got eviscerated because of what happened […] My work has been forgotten”, he says.
Weinstein, 67, is set to face trial in January on charges of an alleged rape of a woman in 2013 and an alleged assault of a woman in 2006. The producer has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
And to add to damage, Weinstein recently reached a deal with his accusers and ex-employees in which he will not have to admit to any wrongdoing. Valued at USD$25 million, the settlement money will be paid out by insurance companies representing The Weinstein Company. Regardless of how many accusers and ex-employees agree to the deal, Weinstein will still be facing trial – a reality that the producer cannot seem to grasp.
“If you remember who I was then, you might want to question some of this.”
Forget how we remember Weinstein – it’s about how his collaborators and partners remember him. Account after account, Weinstein is accused of making unwanted sexual advances towards women.
Gwyneth Paltrow, who was just one of his many accusers, was also brought up during Weinstein’s delusional excuse-fest. The producer seems to imply that we should forego Paltrow’s accusations against Weinstein as “Gwyneth Paltrow in 2003 got $10 million to make a movie called View from the Top […] She was the highest-paid female actor in an independent film. Higher-paid than all the men”.
For now, Weinstein will have to take a break from sneaking back into the industry by flaunting his ‘charitable efforts’ and focus on building a case for his upcoming trial in 2020.
And just to illustrate just how much damage Weinstein has caused to the industry and his victims, we’ve provided the Weinstein Calendar below.
The Timeline
October 2017
In October of 2017, The New York Times detailed the accounts of Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd against Weinstein. Throughout their accounts, Weinstein’s unwanted sexual advances remain constant, sparking an investigation into the producer’s true nature.
In response to the article, Weinstein releases a statement acknowledging his actions had “caused a lot of pain”, however, he refuted the fact that he had sexually harassed or assaulted females in his career. At this point, Weinstein reveals he will be taking a leave of absence from The Weinstein Company and will be working with therapists to “learn about myself and conquer my demons”.
Following the initial accusations against Weinstein, Italian filmmaker Asia Argento reveals that the Hollywood producer had raped her in 1997. Her accusations are paired with another release from The New York Times detailing accounts from Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie against Weinstein.
As more and more victims speak out against Weinstein, the #metoo campaign forms and is now a significant event in recent history.
November 2017
The NYPD reveal that they are looking into a credible rape allegation against Harvey Weinstein while more actresses speak out against the producer, including Jennifer Lawrence and Uma Thurman.
During November, Warner Bros. severs ties with Weinstein.
December 2017
Once again, The New York Times takes aim at the Hollywood producer, with Salma Hayek leading the charge this time.
“I hid from the responsibility to speak out with the excuse that enough people were already involved in shining a light on my monster. I didn’t consider my voice important, nor did I think it would make a difference.” – said Hayek on Harvey Weinstein Is My Monster Too.
Hayek reveals that she was not only sexually harassed but also received death threats from Weinstein himself.
January 2018
The ‘Time’s Up’ campaign group is formed in wake of the Weinstein scandals. The group aims to help ‘less privileged’ victims of sexual assault receive justice.
Actresses show up to the Golden Globes in all-black to evoke their support for the new campaign.
May 2018
On May 25th, Weinstein turns himself in to the NYPD on sexual misconduct charges. However, just a day later, he is released on $1 million bail.
Weinstein is indicted on charges of rape and criminal sexual act on May 31 and the case moves towards a trial.
June 2018
In front of the New York Supreme Court on June 5, Weinstein pleads not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault charges.
July 2018
Facing new sexual assault charges from a case that dates back to 2006, Weinstein is accused of forcing a woman into oral sex. Weinstein pleads not guilty.
August 2018
Weinstein and his lawyers look to dismiss criminal charges based on emails from accuser. During August, German actress Emma Loman sues Weinsein for alleged rape.
According to Loman, she was called up to 30 times a day by Weinstein’s assistant until she accepted his invitation.
May 2019
Weinstein and his former studio’s board members reach a deal with his accusers. The deal is estimated to be worth around USD$44m. Meant to compensate and and resolve civil lawsuits, the deal has not yet been confirmed by Weinstein at this time.
August 2019
Two more additional charges of predatory sexual assault arise against Weinstein. The charges relate to an assault dating back to 1993. Weinstein pleads not guilty to both charges.
December 2019
Details about the deal back in May resurface. Concerns are raised by lawyers and plaintiffs regarding the terms of the deal. The deal is set to pay out USD$25m to nearly 30 actresses and ex-employees. The deal is yet to be signed.
What do you think of Weinstein’s horrendous comments? Let us know in the comments down below.