Los Angeles: Harvey Weinstein, considered to be one of the strongest names for Indie films, has been thrown out of his own company after recent harassment allegations.
The founder of the ‘Weinstein Company’ was terminated on Sunday as the co-chairman of the company after sexual harassment allegations came to light in a leading U.S. daily, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
A statement issued by the company’s board read, “In light of new information about the misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days, the directors of The Weinstein Company – Robert Weinstein, Lance Maerov, Richard Koenigsberg and Tarak Ben Ammar – have determined, and have informed Harvey Weinstein, that his employment with The Weinstein Company is terminated, effective immediately.”
Many Hollywood stars applauded the move by the Weinstein Co. board.
Actress Rose McGowan wrote on Twitter, “I salute you #jodikantor #megantwohey & @nyt editor thank you for your incredible work. You’ve saved lives with your bravery.”
While ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director James Gunn tweeted, “If even 1/10th of the stories about Harvey Weinstein are true (and I believe they are), then good fucking riddance. That sh**’s gotta stop.”
If sources are to be believed, this decision comes after the meeting in which Harvey was offered the opportunity to settle with the company and leave, but refused.
Meanwhile, law firm Debevoise & Plimpton will continue the investigation into Harvey’s behaviour despite his exit.
These surprising events come after a leading U.S. daily detailed sexual harassment claims spanning decades on the part of the mogul.
Despite an effort at contrition by the mogul, Weinstein’s lawyer Charles Harder stated that he was preparing for a legal action against the publication.
(ANI)