Harvey Weinstein responds to Lupita Nyong'o harassment allegations
Oscar-winning actor said on one occasion she felt pressured into giving the producer a massage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Harvey Weinstein has issued a response to Lupita Nyong'o's op-ed in The New York Times, which saw her join the growing list of stars accusing the Hollywood producer of harassment and assault.
The piece saw her detail her initial meeting with Weinstein in 2011, where he invited her to his Connecticut home on the pretence of watching a film with his family. Shortly after it started, she writes that he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and was led to his bedroom.
She then claims he asked for a massage, before stating he wanted to take off his pants. "I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that," Nyong'o wrote.
After a further alleged proposition at a restaurant, the actor felt her career was under threat. Nyong’o said she had blamed herself and attempted to forget about her experiences, but that she felt "sick in the pit of my stomach" since The New York Times' bombshell report saw multiple women come forward, with many more following in their wake.
Weinstein has since denied the claims through a statement made by a representative, making her one of very few actors Weinstein has responded to directly - he also issued a response denying allegations made by Ashley Judd.
"Mr. Weinstein has a different recollection of the events, but believes Lupita is a brilliant actress and a major force for the industry," the statement reads (via Variety). "Last year, she sent a personal invitation to Mr. Weinstein to see her in her Broadway show Eclipsed."
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.