Leaked Harvey Weinstein audio shows him claiming ‘I’m not the sinner you think I am’
The disgraced film producer made the comments 48 hours before the publication of a report alleging years of sexual misconduct
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Your support makes all the difference.In the days before the publishing of a 2017 New York Times report alleging that he was responsible for years of sexual misconduct, disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein told the journalists behind the story that he was “not the sinner you think I am”, leaked audio has revealed.
In a 59-minute recording obtained by US news show Inside Edition, which has been teased ahead of a TV special to be broadcast in the US tonight, Weinstein is informed about the impending story and asked for his statement. The story itself, written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, saw actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct.
“I think you ought to be specific and tell me who they are and if they’re on the record,” Weinstein is heard telling Kantor and Twohey during the call. “I’m not a saint,” he says, “but I’m not the sinner you think I am.”
He is also heard warning both journalists about their own conduct. “There are many mistakes you’ve made,” he says. “I promise we will find them.” Later, he adds: “It seems like you have a lotta hearsay on your hands. I’m gonna say this nicely: Get the facts right. You’re journalists.”
Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual encounters. Since being arrested and charged last May with first and third-degree rape and a criminal sex act in the first degree, he has reached a tentative $44 million settlement with a number of his accusers. His criminal trial for separate rape allegations will begin on 8 September.