Content Warning: This article about Harvey Weinstein and Angelina Jolie discusses sexual harassment. If you or someone you know is affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein has denied assaulting Angelina Jolie after she alleged she had to “escape” a meeting with the former Hollywood producer.
Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence for rape and battery, called the claims “brazenly untrue” in a statement issued to TMZ via his assistant.
“It is brazenly untrue and clickbait publicity… you’re Angelina Jolie, every male and female in the world, I’m sure, shows interest in you. Is the whole world assaulting you?” he said.
“It’s very clear to me that this is for more sales on Angie’s BOOK,” he added, referring to Jolie’s upcoming book Know Your Rights.
Weinstein’s response comes after Jolie discussed an incident that allegedly occurred on the set of the 1998 film Playing By Heart during an interview with The Guardian.
“If you get yourself out of the room, you think he attempted but didn’t, right?” Jolie said.
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“The truth is that the attempt and the experience of the attempt is an assault.”
Jolie went on to reveal that she tried to warn others about Weinstein’s behaviour.
“It was beyond a pass, it was something I had to escape. I stayed away and warned people about him. I remember telling Jonny (Lee Miller), my first husband, who was great about it, to spread the word to other guys – don’t let girls go alone with him,” she said.
She explained that she was asked to join the cast of the 2004 Oscar-winning film The Aviator, but said no due to Weinstein’s close involvement.
“I never associated or worked with him again… it was hard for me when Brad did,” she said.
Jolie’s then-husband Brad Pitt went on to work with Weinstein on 2009’s Inglourious Basterds and again in 2012 on Killing Them Softly.
She revealed that she and Pitt “fought” about his association with Weinstein and that it “hurt” to see them work together.
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