Oprah Winfrey calls Harvey Weinstein behavior ‘hideous’
Oprah Winfrey AP file photo
NEW YORK — Oprah Winfrey said Friday that Harvey Weinstein’s behavior was “hideous” and agreed with others who also blame enablers in Hollywood.
Winfrey’s statement was the latest tirade against Weinstein who has been accused by several celebrities of sexual harassment.
Winfrey took to Facebook to say she hasn’t “been able to find the words to articulate the magnitude of the situation.”
Winfrey cited a statement from filmmaker and former head of Focus Features, James Schamus, that the scandal is a “story of one predator and his many victims; but it is also a story about an overwhelming systemic enabling” by underlings and others in the entertainment industry.
Winfrey said that thanks to the brave voices of women who have accused Weinstein, “many more will now be emboldened to come forward every time this happens.” She added: “I believe a shift is coming.”
Vogue editor Anna Winter earlier praised the bravery of women coming forward to allege Weinstein sexually harassed them.
“Behavior like this is appalling and unacceptable. I feel horrible about what these women have experienced and admire their bravery in coming forward,” Wintour said in a statement.
“We all have a role to play in creating safe environments where everyone can be free to work without fear.”
Wintour has featured in her magazine the clothing label Marchesa, co-created by Weinstein’s wife, Georgina Chapman, and she and Weinstein have previously teamed up to appear on red carpets and for Barack Obama fundraisers.
As this developed, Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Co. will be removed from three shows they produce for A&E Network channels.
The company said Friday that includes Lifetime’s “Project Runway” and spinoff “Project Runway All Stars,” as well as the History channel military drama “Six.”
A Weinstein link remains: The next season of “Project Runway All Stars” has already been taped with the movie mogul’s estranged wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, taking part.
A&E Networks said an air date for “All Stars” has yet to be set.
Chapman announced she is separating from Weinstein in the wake of his sexual misconduct scandal.
At least 30 women allege that Weinstein sexually harassed them or made unwanted advances. Weinstein has denied any nonconsensual sexual conduct with any women.
