The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Harvey Weinstein misquotes Jay Z in statement on sexual harassment allegations
Film mogul issued a statement this week in response to a report in the New York Times about his conduct towards women employees
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.Film producer Harvey Weinstein apparently misquoted a lyric by his business partner Jay Z in a statement over sexual harassment claims made against him.
The co-founder of Miramax and the Weinstein Company wrote in a statement addressing the allegations that he “cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt".
He also referenced a supposed quote from “4:44,” Jay Z’s response to alleged infidelities against his wife, Beyonce.
Weinstein wrote: “Jay Z wrote in ‘4:44,’ ‘I’m not the man I thought I was and I better be that man for my children.’ The same is true for me."
Yet there is no such lyric in the song “4:44” - or anywhere on the album of the same title.
Spin suggests that Weinstein may have been paraphrasing Jay Z's confessional track, which speaks of shame over his past behaviour.
Jay Z raps:
"And if my children knew
I don’t even know what I would do
If they ain’t look at me the same
I would prob’ly die with all the shame"
But a Jay Z quote would be unusual even if it had not been misquoted, given the claims against Weinstein involve sexual harassment accusations that stretch back over almost three decades.
As well as the unusual Jay Z reference, Weinstein's statement has been criticised for apparently failing to properly address the allegations.
He has received rebukes from actresses including Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, and from the New York Times, which originally printed the report on the allegations.
“I appreciate the way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologise for it,” his statement said.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
But he later disputed the New York Times report which claimed he harassed women employed by him over nearly three decades. His attorney Lisa Bloom said that many of the allegations are "patently false".
The newspaper reported he had reached at least eight settlements with women.
Weinstein, a married father-of-five, said he planned to take a leave of absence from his company and had hired therapists to deal with his issue.
“My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons,” the 65-year-old's statement read.