February 23, 2017
Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has apologised for using
statements by stars Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence in an effort to seek
dismissal of a sexual misconduct lawsuit against him.
"Even though Mr.
Weinstein has worked with hundreds of actresses and actors who had only
professional and mutually respectful experiences with him, Mr. Weinstein has
directed in the future that no specific names be used by his counsel. Even where
those actors have made previous public statements about him," theguardian.com
quoted a spokeswoman for Weinstein as saying.
She added: "Mr. Weinstein
acknowledges the valuable input both Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence have
contributed to this conversation and apologises.
"Once again, moving
forward, Mr. Weinstein has advised his counsel to not include specific names of
former associates; and to avoid whenever possible, even if they are in the
public record."
Six women are suing Weinstein and what they call the
"Weinstein Sexual Enterprise", which they say includes his brother Bob and their
co-founded studio The Weinstein Company, claiming they conspired to conceal
Weinstein's widespread alleged sexual harassment.
Lawyers for the
Hollywood mogul filed a motion to dismiss the suit on Tuesday, arguing that it
was "fatally overboard".
Both Streep and Lawrence have spoken out against
the motion filed by Weinstein's lawyers.
In response to the motion,
Lawrence described Weinstein as a "predator", reports theguardian.com.
"For the record, while I was not victimised personally by Harvey Weinstein, I
stand behind the women who have survived his terrible abuse and I applaud them
in using all means necessary to bring him to justice whether through criminal or
civil actions. Time's up," she said.
Her comment follows Streep firing
back at Weinstein, who said the action was "pathetic and exploitative" after his
lawyers cited her saying she was never harassed by the producer in an attempt to
shut the case down.