Harvey Weinstein sexually mistreated dozens of women over decades, according to an investigation by the New York Times. Weinstein is a powerful Hollywood producer and a major donor to Democrats. Now, Democrats are quickly distancing themselves from Weinstein.
The New York Times reported last week at least eight settlements had been paid to women who alleged sexual harassment by Weinstein, co-founder of Miramax, the studio that produced such hits as “Pulp Fiction” and “Chicago.”
The report alleged Weinstein used his position to demand sexual favors from the women, in one case pressuring a woman to give him a nude massage. Weinstein’s behavior was apparently an open secret in Hollywood.
Weinstein attributed his behavior to having grown up “in the ‘60s and ’70s, when all of the rules about behavior and workplaces were different.”
The report prompted several prominent Democrats such as Sen. Pat Leahy, D-Vt., to return donations from Weinstein. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the movie mogul has donated more than $1.4 million to the party since 1990.
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