Politicians, celebrities respond to Weinstein assault allegations

A-list celebrities and politicians — some of whom have benefited from Harvey Weinstein — are now condemning him for recent allegations of sexual harassment and assault. According to an interview in Variety published Tuesday, actress Jennifer Lawrence said she “was deeply disturbed to hear the news about Harvey Weinstein's behavior.” Lawrence won an academy award for the 2013 film Silver Linings Playbook, which was produced by Weinstein. Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, who have also appeared in Weinstein films, are now criticizing the movie mogul. Former US President Barack Obama also weighed in. 'Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein,' he said in a statement Wednesday. 'Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status.' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, donated the campaign money he's received from Weinstein to charity organizations for women. Other Democratic senators have followed suit. US President Donald Trump, a long-time associate of Weinstein's, stopped short of criticizing the Hollywood big wig, saying only that he “was not at all surprised to see it.” When asked if the president's infamous statement about grabbing women's genitals from a leaked Access Hollywood tape equate to the same type of harassment, the president said “that was locker room talk.” Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election, said she was 'shocked and appalled' by the revelations about Weinstein. Last week, The New York Times published an article alleging that Weinstein, who is Jewish, had harassed Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, also Hollywood actresses, as well as other female talent and employees over decades. After the report was published, Weinstein, 65, issued a statement in which he said he'll “take a leave of absence” from his production firm, The Weinstein Company, and “spend more time with a therapist.” JTA contributed to this report.

Politicians, celebrities respond to Weinstein assault allegations

Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton weighed in.

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Politicians, celebrities respond to Weinstein assault allegations

Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton weighed in.

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