LOS ANGELES—With over 40 women now accusing film executive and producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer promises to go after Weinstein if alleged victims come forward.
This statement of support by Feuer came one day after the Los Angeles Police Department admitted that they do not currently have an active investigation into Harvey Weinstein.
“We take allegations like these very seriously, and where the facts support conviction, we will prosecute,” said Feuer in a statement to the press. Josh Rubenstein, the LAPD Director of Communications, backed Feuer’s statement by saying, “We absolutely encourage anyone who may be a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report the crime.”
More than 2 weeks have passed since the Hollywood producer’s scandal erupted with numerous women coming forward sharing their stories of alleged rape, assault and sexual harassment with The New York Times and The New Yorker. Authorities in New York and London are currently investigating some of the accusations against Mr. Weinstein, as a result of an initial report by actress Ashley Judd. The New York Times story revealed that Judd claimed Weinstein of engaging in sexual misconduct during a business meeting at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel. Judd went on to state: “Women have been talking about Harvey amongst ourselves for a long time, and it’s simply beyond time to have the conversation publicly.”
In the initial Times piece, a total of eight women made claims of sexual harassment in their interviews. Judd became the first actress to go public with an accusation against Weinstein. The New Yorker’s exposé on Weinstein went to press just days later, and the accusations were even more disturbing. In the article, multiple women accused Weinstein of rape, including actress Asia Argento. Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, Mira Sorvino, Jessica Barth, Emma de Caunes, and Lucia Evans also gave their accounts of interactions with Weinstein in The New Yorker piece.
“Scream” and “Charmed” star Rose McGowan also revealed that Weinstein sexually assaulted her. She tweeted on October 8, “This is the girl that was hurt by a monster. This is who you are shaming with your silence.”
More celebrities came forward in a follow-up report by the Times, including actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Rosanna Arquette- who all told similar stories of unwanted sexual advances by the movie mogul. In the days that followed, actresses Minka Kelly, Kate Beckinsale, and Cara Delevingne used social media to share their alleged encounters with Weinstein to the public.
The accusations against Weinstein spanning from 1980 to 2015. Harvey Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual misconduct, and has not been charged with any crimes to date. He was ousted from The Weinstein Company after the Board of Directors on October 8.
“In light of the new information about 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.”
Weinstein resigned from the company on Tuesday, October 17 during a board meeting that he attended via phone. He is currently seeking treatment at a rehab facility in Arizona.
LA County Sheriff, Jim McDonnell, said in a statement regarding the accusations that they “certainly will investigate any allegations that are brought to our attention, like we would do for anyone else.” City Attorney Mike Feuer added in his statement to the press, “Please come forward so that your cases–and justice–can be pursued.”
Written By Macee Binns
