Harvey Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment, assault, or rape by more than 80 women since the initial reporting in 2017. In November 2017, a list of over 100 alleged instances of sexual abuse by Weinstein, spanning from 1980 to 2015 and including 18 allegations of rape, was disclosed by a group of alleged victims led by Italian actress Asia Argento.
Weinstein frequently solicited massages or sex from young actresses or models in hotel rooms or offices, as per the women’s allegations, while claiming to be discussing their careers. He fraudulently asserted that Gwyneth Paltrow had slept with him in order to exert pressure on them, despite Paltrow’s public denials. He also claimed that complying with his demands would enhance their careers.
These abusive practices were enabled by employees, associates, and agents who facilitated the meetings, as well as attorneys and publicists who suppressed complaints through payments and threats, according to former colleagues and collaborators. It is important to note that Bob Weinstein was involved in settlements with accusers as early as 1990, which is indicative of a longstanding culture of silence and complicity within the industry.
The case has been the subject of recent legal developments, which have maintained its prominence. Weinstein was informed that he could face charges related to additional sexual abuse allegations when he returned to a New York courthouse on May 29 and July 9, 2024. Prosecutors disclosed that they were investigating the potential for pursuing additional criminal charges against him during his court appearance on July 9, 2024; however, no new indictment was issued at that time.