Harvey Weinstein says he 'pioneered' films promoting women and his 'work has been forgotten'

Film producer Harvey Weinstein leaves New York Supreme Court
REUTERS
Rebecca Speare-Cole16 December 2019

Harvey Weinstein has complained that he feels like "the forgotten man" who championed women in the film industry.

The disgraced movie mogul said his "pioneering" work on movies about women has been "eviscerated" by the flood of sexual assault allegations he faces.

More than 70 women have accused the 67-year-old film producer of sexual misconduct dating back decades. He has denied the allegations, saying that any sexual encounters were consensual.

Ahead of his rape trial starting on January 6, he told the New York Post: "I feel like the forgotten man.

Movie producer Harvey Weinstein departs from criminal court after a bail hearing using a walking frame ahead of his spinal surgery
Getty Images

“I made more movies directed by women and about women than any film-maker, and I’m talking about 30 years ago.

"I’m not talking about now when it’s vogue. I did it first. I pioneered it.

“It all got eviscerated because of what happened. My work has been forgotten."

The publication reported that Weinstein showed no remorse for his alleged actions as he spoke in hospital last week while recuperating from spinal surgery.

He also spoke about sealing a $10m deal for Gwyneth Paltrow in 2003 for the film View with a Top, making her the highest-paid female actor in independent film.

Paltrow is one of the women who has accused Weinstein of harassment 
Getty Images

Paltrow is one of the women who has accused him of harassment.

He also said his production company championed social causes including buying the distribution rights for the documentary Paris is Burning, about ballroom culture in New York City, and Transamerica.

“I want this city to recognise who I was instead of what I’ve become,” he told the Post.

It comes after Weinstein came to a tentative $25m deal to end dozens of civil lawsuits brought by dozens of actresses and former employees.

He is due to go on trial on January 6 in New York for rape and sexual assault charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Weinstein was discharged from the hospital Sunday morning.

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