Harvey Weinstein Is Fired from His Film Company Amid Sexual Harassment Reports
KATE SNOW, anchor:
The board of directors of the Weinstein Company issuing a statement overnight saying in light of new information about misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days, his employment was terminated effective immediately--a dramatic turn for one of Hollywood's most powerful players. This morning, a Hollywood titan dethroned. The Weinstein Company announcing Harvey Weinstein was terminated effective immediately. Ousting the man who founded the company alongside his brother Bob just days after a bombshell New York Times report uncovered sexual harassment allegations against the movie mogul spanning almost three decades.
JANICE MIN: Harvey Weinstein is in some ways one of the godfathers of Hollywood. It was all smoke but everyone was pretty sure there was a fire.
SNOW: Stars like Ashley Judd talked with The New York Times alleging Weinstein met her for a meeting in a bathrobe and asked if she would give him a massage or watch him shower. Others detailed various sexual advances and misconduct. The Times reports that Weinstein had reached settlements with at least eight women over the years. Weinstein's attorney calls the report false and defamatory and pledged to file a lawsuit against the paper.
LAUREN SIVAN: Make some fun sunset plans because—
SNOW: This weekend, reporter Lauren Sivan said Weinstein touched himself inappropriately in front of her a decade ago. NBC News has not independently verified any of the allegations. Attorney Gloria Allred tells NBC News she has been contacted by some of Weinstein's accusers.
GLORIA ALLRED: There's a great deal of fear by victims in general in Hollywood. Often women fear that they may never work again if they speak out.
SNOW: Weinstein built his career with hit films like Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, and Silver Linings Playbook helping to usher big stars on to the award stage.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE: Harvey, thank you for killing whoever you had to kill to get me up here today.
COLIN FIRTH: Meryl Streep.
MERYL STREEP: I just want to thank my agent, Kevin Huvane, and God, Harvey Weinstein.
SNOW: But following the recent reports, there's growing outrage that many in Hollywood knew of the allegations but remained silent.
JANICE MIN: Everyone is connected to him and everyone feels somewhat indebted to him. That makes it hard and uncomfortable to be asked anything about him.
SNOW: President Trump weighed in this weekend.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: I've known Harvey Weinstein for a long time. I'm not at all surprised to see it.
SNOW: In a statement this week, Weinstein said, “I appreciate the way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain. And I sincerely apologize for it. Though I'm trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.” The Weinstein board said on Friday it had hired a law firm to investigate the allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Sunday's statement did not make clear whether that investigation is still ongoing. Harvey Weinstein had said on Friday before he was fired, that he would take a leave of absence to, quote, “Deal with this issue head-on.” He was a big donor to Democrats, too, as well and many have now announced guys that they will give those donations over to charity.
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE, anchor:
Well-- all right, Kate. Thank you.
Our president says,"Someone should not lose their job without due process," in reference to another instance of sexual harassment allegations for his closest adviser, White House Staff Secretary, Rob Porter.
Answer the following questions:
Do you agree with the president?
Should politicians and celebrities be held to the same standards?
What are the political and economic ramifications in both sectors?