Hollywood mogul Weinstein fired after sexual harassment claims

The Weinstein Co has fired co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein following reports that the executive, who was one of Hollywood's biggest power brokers, has been sexually harassing women over three decades.

Film producer Harvey Weinstein attends the 2016 amfAR New York Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, New York February 10, 2016.
Reuters

Film producer Harvey Weinstein attends the 2016 amfAR New York Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, New York February 10, 2016.

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was fired from his film studio The Weinstein Company on Sunday following reports that he sexually harassed women over several decades.

"In light of new information about misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days, the directors of The Weinstein Company... have determined and have informed Harvey Weinstein, that his employment with The Weinstein Company is terminated, effective immediately," the company's board said in a statement quoted by US media.

The firing came after The New York Times published a bombshell report earlier this week that alleged Weinstein, whose company produced such hits as "The King's Speech" and "The Artist", preyed on young women hoping to break into the film industry.

The accusers, reportedly including celebrities such as Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, say Weinstein promised to help advance their careers in exchange for sexual favours and pressured them to massage him and watch him naked.

"Not surprised"

Republicans have pounced on the scandal because Weinstein has been a major backer of Democratic candidates. Many Democratic lawmakers have since vowed to give their contributions from Weinstein to charity.

President Donald Trump, who said he had known Weinstein for a "very long time", said he was "not at all surprised" by the revelations.

Trump faced his own sex scandal last year when video emerged of him using lewd language to describe groping women.

Hollywood powerhouse fades 

Many in the entertainment industry have spoken out in the wake of the allegations, expressing support for the alleged victims.

"The women who chose to speak about their experience of harassment by Harvey Weinstein deserve our awe," actress and self-proclaimed feminist Lena Dunham said. "It's not fun or easy, it's brave."

Five of the company's nine all-male board members have resigned over the scandal. The remaining members are Robert Weinstein, Lance Maerov, Richard Koenigsberg and Tarak Ben Ammar.

It was not immediately clear what would happen to the share Weinstein owns in the company.

In a statement, Weinstein, a staunch Democratic campaign fundraiser who backed Hillary Clinton in her presidential bid, said he respected all women and was hoping for a second chance while acknowledging he had "work to do to earn it."

A father-of-two married to British fashion designer Georgina Chapman, Weinstein is considered a powerhouse in Hollywood and many of his movies have picked up Oscars over the years, including "Good Will Hunting" and "The Artist".

He formed the Miramax production house in the late 1970s with his brother and then sold it to Disney. The pair went on to create the highly successful Weinstein Company.

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