In an interview, Harvey Weinstein triggers indignation among suspected victims

It is the first major interview that Harvey Weinstein has given in about a year. And it causes great anger and anger especially among women who accuse the former film producer of sexual abuse and harassment.

Weinstein brags in the interview with the "New York Post", among other things, that he was a pioneer in the advancement of women in Hollywood. He has produced more films by and about women than any other producer before him. And that was 30 years ago, and not only since the advancement of women had come into fashion, said Weinstein. "I was the first. I was the pioneer."

The 67-year-old also complained in the interview that his work had been forgotten and that he felt like "the forgotten man": "I want this city to recognize who I was and not what I became."

Harvey Weinstein: I deserve pat on back when it comes to women https://t.co/xLT0CavNSF pic.twitter.com/J7VyVJIEyb

More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual assault since 2017. A trial against him is scheduled to begin in New York on January 6. The trial charged him with rape in 2013 and forced oral sex in 2006. Weinstein faces life imprisonment if convicted.

Shortly after the interview was published, several of the women who accused Weinstein of sexual abuse spoke up. 23 of them signed a joint statement criticizing his interview as an attempt to manipulate public opinion.

Weinstein will certainly not be forgotten, but will be remembered as an unrepentant sex offender, "who took everything and deserves nothing," wrote the women. Among them are actresses Rosanna Arquette, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan.

I didn't forget you, Harvey. My body didn't forget you. I wish it could. I refused to sign an NDA after it happened because I knew I would come for you. And I did. This is about stopping a prolific rapist. You.

Actress Caitlin Dulany also signed the statement. She also told US broadcaster ABC that Weinstein's statements made her sick. "Harvey has used his power to abuse women and destroy their careers, including mine." Actress Katherine Kendall has also made allegations against Weinstein. She now explained that Weinstein's actions had destroyed the lives of numerous women. "Now is the time to listen to women, it is time for us to reclaim our power."

The lawyer Douglas Wigdor, who represents alleged Weinstein victims, said that the interview statements would show that the actions of the former film producer must be further processed by the judiciary. He also spoke of a "PR stunt".

Weinstein, who is facing a criminal trial over accusations of sexual assault, said in his first interview in a year that his work advocating for women as been forgotten.

The remarks sparked immediate outrage. https://t.co/fY2kvgPpa2

Weinstein has always rejected the allegations against him. He speaks of consensual sexual contacts. The allegations against him had led to the global # MeToo campaign against sexual assault and violence against women.

Last week the New York Times reported that Weinstein had signed a basic agreement to pay compensation to more than 30 women accusing him of sexual violence. According to the report, Weinstein is not to pay for the $ 25 million (around € 22.5 million). The insurers of his bankrupt company should pay.

Why Weinstein gave an interview now

The interview with the "New York Post" took place last Friday in a hospital in New York, according to the newspaper. There, Weinstein is said to have had a back operation the day before; According to him, this was necessary after a car accident in mid-August.

The interview was about pointing out his poor health and rejecting reports that he had exaggerated in his recent appearances. Weinstein had limped and walked into a Manhattan courthouse last week. Afterwards there had been reports that he had deliberately used his appearance to arouse pity and to win sympathy.

Weinstein did not want to answer questions about the serious allegations against him, according to the newspaper. He had threatened to cancel the interview several times.