Harvey Weinstein allegations open floodgates for harassment stories

What began as a New York Times investigative report into harassment allegationsagainst Harvey Weinstein has spiralled into further accusations and a larger debate aboutmisuse of power in the workplace.

An L.A.journalistis the latest woman accusing the renowned film producerof sexual misconduct. Lauren Sivantold the Huffington Postthat Weinsteincornered her at a restaurant a decade ago when she was a local reporterin New York exposing himself and masturbatingin front of her.

The filmexecutive,known for churning outOscar-winning films such asShakespeare in Love,The King's SpeechandThe Artist,is on "indefinite leave"from theWeinsteinCompanypending an internal investigation.

Weinsteinreleased a statementon Thursday saying, "I appreciate the way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it." Hislegal teamhas said the initial New York Timesstory was"saturated with false and defamatory statements," but they provided nodetails.

The fallout has prompted U.S. morningshow TV host Mika Brzezinskito say she "can't go forward" with alucrative Weinstein book deal unless the mogul resigns.

And Weinstein's prominent legal adviser, Lisa Bloom, has resigned, announcing Saturday she's no longer helping him with his case despite initially rushing to his defence.

The claimsagainst Hollywood's formerly revered honcho, who found widespread success withPulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and more recently, Lion, are alsopromptingwomen to speak out about their experiences with workplace harassment.

'We are not going to take that'

"That is an indicator to peoplein power that we are not going to take that, or we're starting to recognize it," Ontario-based writer Anne T. Donahue told CBC News.

Donahueput out a Twitter call for women to share their personalstories about being harassed on the job: "When did you meet YOUR Harvey Weinstein?"

She receivedthousands of responses and retweets, including one from Oscar-winning Room actress Brie Larson.

Documentary filmmaker and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsomwrote an article in the Huffington Post Friday about her own experiences with Weinstein, calling the initial New YorkTimes report "extremely disturbing, but not all that shocking."

"I was naive, new to the industry, and didn't know how to deal with his aggressive advances work invitations with a friend late-night at The Toronto Film Festival, and later an invitation to meet with him about a role in the Peninsula Hotel, where staff were present and then all of a sudden disappeared like clockwork, leaving me alone with this extremely powerful and intimidating Hollywood legend."

Weinstein's companyhas worked with many A-listers, from Jennifer Lawrence(Silver Linings Playbook) to MerylStreep(The Iron Lady). Both won Oscars for their Weinsteinfilms. Streepeven referred to himin a 2012acceptance speech as "God."

"For those asking why I waited?" Sivantweeted Saturday. "YOU try telling that story 10yrs ago. Only possible now because of women with bigger names far braver than me."

Donahue praised the outpouring of personal stories.

Communication, sharingthat's a step because it takes away the stigma and the stigma is used to keep people down Anne T. Donahue,Canadianwriter

"Communication, sharing that's a step because it takes away the stigma and the stigma is used to keep people down," saidDonahue.

Kathy Spillar, executive director of the U.S. Feminist Majority Foundation, told The Associated Pressthat strength in numbers could encourage more women to come forward in other cases.Inaddition to Weinstein, there have been high-profileallegations against Fox News's former host BillO'Reillyandthelate executive Roger Ailesas well as against BillCosby.

"Silence is the enemy of justice, and these powerful men know that," Spillar said. "I think this is going to start an avalanche, I really do. And we all know this behaviour is not limited to Cosby, Ailes, O'Reilly and Weinstein."

Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein accused of sexual harassment

7 years ago

Duration 3:44

Harvey Weinstein, one of Hollywood's most powerful figures, faces accusations of sexual harassment from actresses and former employees in bombshell expos by the New York Times