NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein (all times local): 2:40 a.m. Jennifer Lawrence says she is deeply disturbed by sexual harassment allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and is thanking his accusers for
NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein (all times local):
2:40 a.m.
Jennifer Lawrence says she is deeply disturbed by sexual harassment allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and is thanking his accusers for coming forward.
Lawrence’s publicist released a statement by the actress early Tuesday stating she never experienced harassment by Weinstein. She won an Academy Award for 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” which was produced by The Weinstein Co.
She says she was unaware of any of the conduct alleged in an expose by The New York Times last week that led to Weinstein’s firing from the company he co-founded on Sunday night.
Lawrence calls the actions described in the story “inexcusable and absolutely upsetting.”
She says her heart goes out to the women affected, and is thanking them for telling their stories.
Weinstein has been widely condemned since his firing, but has not commented on his ouster.
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8:20 p.m.
The labor union SAG-AFTRA has issued a statement condemning disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual harassment and acknowledged it is an issue that is prevalent in the entertainment industry.
The organization said Monday that everyone has the right to work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment and pledged to do more to ensure the safety of women. It also provided the number for a safety hotline that is included on every member’s card and encouraged anyone who is in a threatening situation to call.
SAG-AFTRA represents some 160,000 actors, performers and media professions.
Weinstein was fired Sunday night from The Weinstein Co. following an expose in the New York Times which revealed decades of sexual harassment complaints from both actresses and employees.
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1:50 p.m.
A person with knowledge of the decision says The Weinstein Co. will rename itself following the firing of co-chairman Harvey Weinstein over sexual harassment allegations.
The person, who was not authorized to speak publicly, says the name change is expected to take some time, but “it will happen.”
The Weinstein Co. is also moving to pull Weinstein’s name from the credits of several upcoming television series, including “Waco” and “Yellowstone.”
Weinstein and his brother, Bob, co-founded The Weinstein Co. in 2005. The brothers previously founded the film company Miramax, which was named after their parents, Miriam and Max.
The Weinstein Co. board of directors on Sunday fired Weinstein after an expose detailing decades of sexual harassment.
Weinstein has not yet responded publicly to his ouster but last week apologized for the pain his past behavior has caused.
— By Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer
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9:35 a.m.
A Los Angeles TV reporter is accusing deposed movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of exposing himself to her and masturbating in the basement of a New York restaurant.
In an appearance on NBC’s “Megyn Kelly Today,” Lauren Sivan described an encounter with Weinstein a decade ago when he introduced himself to her while she was having dinner with friends. Explaining that he was an owner of the restaurant, he invited her to tour the kitchen.
She says he took her to a deserted basement area where, after she rebuffed his attempt to kiss her, he told her to “just stand there and be quiet.”
He then exposed herself and, in Sivan’s words, “began pleasuring himself.” When he finished, he suggested they both return to the dining room.
Sivan, who now works for KTTV Fox 11, says she was “shocked,” ”tongue-tied” and felt demeaned. But the biggest surprise came the next day when she got a call at the Long Island, New York, station where she was then an anchor.
Weinstein wanted her to know he’d had a great time meeting her and hoped they could get together again.
She told him absolutely not, ending what she described as a “very short conversation.”
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9: 25 a.m.
Meryl Streep calls the reports of sexual harassment against Harvey Weinstein “disgraceful” and says she was unaware of the alleged incidents.
In a statement Monday to the Huffington Post, Streep said “The behavior is inexcusable but the abuse of power familiar.” She praised “the intrepid women who raised their voices.”
Streep also sought to counter the suggestion that everyone in Hollywood knew of Weinstein’s conduct. She said he was “respectful with me in our working relationship.”
Weinstein produced numerous films starring Streep. During an acceptance speech at the Academy Awards for her performance in “The Iron Lady,” Steep famously referred to Weinstein as “God.”
Representatives for Streep didn’t immediately return messages Monday.
Weinstein is yet to address the eight allegations of sexual harassment detailed by The New York Times, though he has apologized for his actions.
3:32 a.m.
Film mogul Harvey Weinstein’s firing from the company he co-founded is likely the final cut on his Hollywood career. Many in the industry believe his days making movies are over.
It was a surprisingly swift downfall for a man who once dominated the Oscars. Weinstein’s firing comes three days after The New York Times detailed decades of sex harassment allegations against the producer, including one involving actress Ashley Judd.
Weinstein has yet to comment on his firing. He has said he intends to fight the Times over its reporting.
The Weinstein Co.’s remaining board members said in a statement that they fired Weinstein due to new information about his misconduct that had emerged in recent days.
