In a recent jailhouse interview, disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein vehemently denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by several celebrity accusers. Speaking to conservative commentator Candace Owens, Weinstein insisted he did not commit the crimes he's been convicted of, addressing accusations from Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, and Rose McGowan. He claimed his interactions with them have been misconstrued or fabricated.
Weinstein admitted to making an inappropriate advance towards Paltrow but denied any physical contact. He also confessed to paying McGowan $100,000 to remain silent about an alleged 1997 encounter but downplayed the incident as being exaggerated. Weinstein dismissed Judd's claims as “ridiculous.”
Once a powerful Hollywood mogul, Weinstein became a central figure in the #MeToo movement following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. He was previously convicted of sex crimes in both New York and California, but his New York conviction was overturned due to prejudicial testimony. Weinstein, 73, now faces a retrial and could receive a 25-year prison sentence if found guilty again.
In the interview, Weinstein also criticized actress Gwyneth Paltrow, branding her a "nepo baby" and accusing her of fabricating sexual harassment claims. He recounted that Brad Pitt, Paltrow’s then-boyfriend, warned him not to behave inappropriately again. Weinstein expressed bitterness over their fallout, attributing the breakdown of their relationship to a disagreement in 2002 over a failed film project involving Paltrow’s brother.
Weinstein's interview with Owens has sparked further controversy, particularly with figures like Joe Rogan surprisingly expressing support for Weinstein’s defense. Weinstein’s retrial continues amid heated public discourse surrounding his claims and the broader implications for justice and the #MeToo movement.
Despite his incarceration, Weinstein expressed aspirations to remake films, particularly Hemingway's "Farewell to Arms." He also commented on Graydon Carter’s memoir, which mentions banning Weinstein from the Vanity Fair Oscar party, a decision Weinstein disputes while recounting a charitable deal tied to party access.
Weinstein's retrial began on April 15, 2025, with a majority-female jury. The trial includes a new allegation involving a woman who was not in the original case, alleging he forced oral sex on her at a Manhattan hotel in 2006. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty and denies raping or sexually assaulting anyone.
As the retrial unfolds, Weinstein's denials and the surrounding media attention continue to stir public debate, reflecting the ongoing complexities of the #MeToo era and the pursuit of justice in high-profile cases.
