“I feel forgotten”: what Harvey Weinstein told in an interview from the hospital

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, under investigation in the sexual harassment case, was interviewed by the New York Post. Weinstein received the correspondent the day after a three-hour spinal surgery. The producer received a back injury in a car accident on August 17, 2019.

The conversation was held in a private New York clinic, the premises of which the journalist described as decorated as a chic hotel (marble bathrooms, art on the walls and Italian bedding). “A personal chef and concierge serve patients, while visitors can drink water with a cucumber,” the journalist says.

According to him, Weinstein "bitterly" complained about his health and fate. In particular, the producer is upset that his name is now associated with allegations of harassment, and not with the good that he did for women professionally.

“In my account there are more films made by women and about women than anyone else in the film industry. And I'm talking about what was 30 years ago, and not about the present time, when it became fashionable. I was the first! I was a pioneer in this area! ”- said Weinstein.

He indicated that he had allotted $ 10 million to the film “Top View Is Better” with starring Gwyneth Paltrow and made her the highest paid actress in independent cinema. The producer also recalled how he supported the American film Jenny Livingston "Paris is on fire" and the film "Transamerica". For the role of a transgender woman in the latter, Felicity Huffman received the Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar.

In addition, Weinstein mentioned his contribution to charity, including assistance in organizing a charity concert after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

He did not forget to mention his poor childhood in New York Queens: “I achieved everything myself. "I did not have money, but I created a real empire - Miramax - and decided to share my success with others."

The producer made it clear that he was going through a difficult disgrace today. “I feel forgotten,” he said.

However, the complaints of Weinstein did not have the proper effect on the journalists.

“The Hollywood gray cardinal so poorly understands the situation that he even boasted that he had once concluded with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, one of his alleged victims (according to Paltrow, in 1994, when she was 22, Weinstein lured her into his a hotel room, began to grab hold of her hands and offer to give her a massage. - RT ), an extremely beneficial contract for her, ”the New York Post summarizes.

“Let Not Count on Oblivion”

Weinstein’s recent statements failed to pity not only the media. Immediately after the interview with the New York Post, women accusing the producer of harassment issued a response statement.

“In a recent interview, Weinstein said he did not want oblivion. Let him not even count on him. Weinstein will be remembered as a sexual predator and an unrepentant rapist who unjustly took from life everything that is possible. He will be remembered thanks to the collective efforts of a huge number of women who dared to say "stop!" We will not allow this predator to rewrite our violence-stained biography, ”their letter says.

• Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Clinton and Harvey Weinstein
• Reuters

The statement was signed by actresses Rosanna Arquette, Jessica Bart, Caitlin Dulanei, Louisette Geiss, Dawn Dunning, Louise Godbold, Larissa Gomez, Dominic Hewett, Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd, Katherine Kendall, Erica Rosenjamelis Idleris Melisa Sarah Ann Mass, model Jasmine Lobe, singer Lucia Evans, model and writer Zoe Brock, former Weinstein assistant Rowena Chiu, former employee of The Weinstein Company Emily Nestor, psychology professor Tomi Ann Roberts and journalist Lauren Sivan.

The reaction from the lawyer of several women Douglas Wigdor was not long in coming.

“It is impossible to sympathize with Mr. Weinstein while he is sitting in a luxury personal ward and urging New Yorkers to recognize his past achievements, which were naturally overshadowed by his terrifying actions, his inability to take responsibility and recent attempts to force the victims to agree to an inadequate and insignificant cash compensation. His PR trick on the eve of the hearings only gives a greater incentive to continue the prosecution, which will show what he really is. Personally, I look forward to cross-examination after the court denies him the right not to testify against himself, ”Wigdor quotes Deadline.

On December 11, reports appeared that the producer had reached a preliminary agreement with some of the women who accused him of sexual harassment. This was reported by The New York Times, citing lawyers who participated in the negotiations.

Under the terms of the agreement, Weinstein is committed to pay an amount of $ 25 million, which will be distributed among more than 30 women. Among them are filing lawsuits against producer actresses, models and former employees of The Weinstein Company.

It was noted that Weinstein would not have to plead guilty and pay compensation from his own funds. Payments will be made by insurance companies representing The Weinstein Company.

According to foreign publications, this agreement is preliminary in nature, it has not yet received the approval of all parties and has not been approved by the court.