Emma Thompson Names Harvey Weinstein A 'Predator', After His Wife Announces She Is Leaving Him

emma-thompson-harvey-weinstein
emma-thompson-harvey-weinstein
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Well-known movie producer and studio boss Harvey Weinstein has been at the centre of a storm of controversy recently, as damning allegations against him of harassment at work have arisen from workers and actresses in the industry.

The 65-year-old film producer has made many big films over the course of his career, including Shakespeare In Love, Kill Bill, and My Week With Marilyn.

And now, British actress Emma Thompson has had her say on the film producer - and her accusations are undeniably - and understandably - damning.

In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Thompson bared no bones about expressing her feelings on the matter, stating that Weinstein doesn't have a 'sex addiction', as he has stated, but is in fact a "predator".

"I don't think you can describe him as a sex addict. He's a predator," Thompson said.

"He's an actual predator, he's dangerous and what he's done and what he's doing is criminal.'

She continued, revealing that he is simply a man at the top of the system of bullying and harrassment.

"What I find sort of extraordinary is that this man is at the top of a very particular iceberg... (At) the top of the ladder of is a system of harassment, and belittling, and bullying, and interference, and what my mother would have referred to in the old days as 'pestering.''

And when asked if she thought there were others like him in her industry in Hollywood, Emma simply replied, "Of course. Many."

Earlier this week, Weinstein's 41-year-old wife Georgia Chapman, announced that she is leaving her husband amid the shocking accusations.

The British fashion designer released a statement to People magazine, admitting that her heart "breaks" for the people affected by Weinstein's actions.

She said, "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."

Hollywood actresses have also spoken out against the famous executive, amid claims that he has behaved hugely inappropriately with young actresses in the past, and taken advantage of his position of power.

Just the other day, Ashley Judd revealed in an article for the The New York Times that, in the past, she had been called into Weinstein's room to watch him shower, and to give him a massage.

She said, "I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask."

Since the accusations were revealed, rumours have circulated that his behaviour was well-known in ‘insider' circles, but that many swept it under the rug.

However, a wave of celebrities have since come out to condemn the film bigwig, including popular actresses Meryl Streep and Dame Judi Dench, and assure that they were unaware of the offences.

Judi admitted that Weinstein is to thank for much of her successful movie career, but didn't hesitate in criticising his questionable actions.

(Judi Dench with Harvey Weinstein and Juliette Binoche)

"Whilst there is no doubt that Harvey Weinstein has helped and championed my career for the past twenty years, I was completely unaware of these offences which are, of course, horrifying, and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered, and wholehearted support to those who have spoken out."

Meryl Streep, who has also had a close relationship with Harvey Weinstein, condemned the horrific news, and insisted that she too was not aware it was going on.

She has said, "The disgraceful news about Harvey Weinstein has appalled those of us whose work he championed, and those whose good and worthy causes he supported. The intrepid women who raised their voices to expose this abuse are our heroes.

"One thing can be clarified. Not everybody knew. Harvey supported the work fiercely, was exasperating but respectful with me in our working relationship, and with many others with whom he worked professionally. The behaviour is inexcusable but the abuse of power familiar."

However, one famous face has, contrary to others, actually spoken out in defence of the Hollywood studio executive.

Donna Karan, the designer behind DKNY, spoke at the CineFashion Film Awards in Los Angeles, and appeared to suggest that Harvey's victims "asked for" Harvey's behaviour, because of the way they were dressed.

"I think we have to look at ourselves. Obviously, the treatment of women all over the world is something that has always had to be identified.

"To see it here in our own country is very difficult, but I also think - how do we display ourselves? How do we present ourselves as women?

"What are we asking? Are we asking for it by presenting all the sensuality and all the sexuality?"

She later praised Weinstein and his family, saying, "I know his wife, I think they're wonderful people, Harvey has done some amazing things."

Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.