Harvey Weinstein disputes Piers Morgan's claim that 'he believes he will be forgiven'
'I did not talk about business or Hollywood. My priority is my family'
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Harvey Weinstein has disputed claims by Piers Morgan that he believes "he will be forgiven" by Hollywood.
In a statement, Weinstein said: "I have immense respect for Piers Morgan and appreciate him. During our conversation, which was back in 2017, the only thought I conveyed was that my focus now and in the future is on my family. I did not talk about business or Hollywood. My priority is my family."
Morgan told GQ that he had spoken to Weinstein while he was in a clinic in Arizona, where he is currently seeking treatment, speaking to him on the phone for about an hour.
He said: “He’s a fascinating character. The apocalyptic symptom of the whole thing – the casting couch finally brought to judgment.”
“I can’t express the same level of shock as some people in Hollywood. Listen, this has been the system since Hollywood existed. It’s been a moral cesspit since the Twenties, and the idea that Harvey Weinstein is the only villain? Do me a favour. Look at Mel Gibson: ultimately Harvey believes he will be forgiven.”
Gibson faced major controversy with an antisemitic rant following a drink driving arrest in 2006, but has since been welcomed back to Hollywood, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for Hacksaw Ridge in 2017.
Weinstein is currently under investigation by police in London, New York, and Los Angeles, with the NYPD reportedly close to an arrest.
In November, an NYPD official said authorities were building a rape case against Weinstein based on “credible and detailed” allegations from actress Paz de La Huerta, as well as four others, including those brought by Lucia Evans, who alleged that Weinstein forcer her to perform oral sex on him in 2004.
More than 60 women have come forward with accusations of sexual assault and harassment by the Hollywood producer. He has said that all sexual acts were consensual, while his legal team have called a number of the other allegations “false”.
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