The aftermath of sexual harassment allegations against the infamous Harvey Weinstein has been far and wide. New developments in allegations, legal proceedings, job terminations, and Harvey’s life continue to arise each day. Here is a timeline of updates:
October 5th:
Weinstein is outed in the New York Times via an investigative article written by two female women. The article charges Weinstein with decades of unwarranted sexual harassment on women in the film industry. It includes testimonials of women he has hurt, most of them unnamed with the exception of actress Ashley Judd, who was the first to come forward. The article also mentions an incident Weinstein had at the Sundance Film Festival with Rose McGowan, which a settlement was made for. McGowan did not comment for the article, but later expressed her feelings on Twitter.
Weinstein responds to the article by apologizing for his alleged actions and claiming he is “trying to do better.” He later went to his lawyer with intent to sue The New York Times for “reckless reporting.”
Courtesy: The Washington Examiner
October 7th:
One of Weinstein’s lawyers, Lisa Bloom, whose job description was to “tutor” him on “gender and power dynamics,” publicly announces via Twitter her resignation from his case.
October 8th:
Harvey Weinstein is fired as CEO from his own creation, the Weinstein Company. In addition, more articles are published claiming The New York Times has had an article in the works about Weinstein’s alleged misconduct since 2004, but that the story got held because it did not meet requirements for publication.
October 9th:
High-profile celebrities begin to speak out against Weinstein, including George Clooney, Kate Winslet, Jessica Chastain, Meryl Streep, and even Hillary Clinton and Barack and Michelle Obama.
October 10th:
New sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein made by Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow are released.
More still, The New Yorker publishes its own detailed article on the case. The article is written by Ronan Farrow, an author with close ties to the film industry, as he is the son of actress Mia Farrow and filmmaker Woody Allen. His article includes accounts of Weinstein’s alleged sexual assault from thirteen different women, mainly Asia Argento, who is an Italian actress and director.
In response to these events, Sallie Hofmeister makes a statement on Weinstein’s behalf, saying Weinstein “unequivocally denies any allegations of non-consensual sex, and that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.” She continues, “He has begun counseling, has listened to the community, and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance.”
Georgian Chapman, Weinstein’s wife, announces she is leaving her husband. She says, “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions. I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”
October 11th:
Weinstein responds to his wife, claiming he is sorry and that he loves his family and he understands her decision.
Twitter continues to blow up on the matter. Celebrities either vouch for or continue to accuse Weinstein with sexual harassment charges.
Hillary Clinton announces that she will donate any campaign contributions she received from Weinstein to charity.
October 12th:
The NYPD is looking into assault charges made by women in The New Yorker’s article.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you may seek help through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 (HOPE). For more resources, visit RAINN, End Sexual Assault, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, End Rape on Campus, and Know Your IX. For local Florida State University resources, visit the Victim Advocate Program that is open 24 hours daily; daytime phone, 850-644-7161 and the nights, weekend, and holidays phone, 850-644-1234 (ask to speak to an advocate).