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Harvey Weinstein has been abandoned by one of his main advisors as alleged sexual abuse claims continue to surface.
Lisa Bloom, an attorney who has represented high-profile clients including Kathy Griffin during her recent controversy with Donald Trump, tweeted overnight that she was quitting her role on Weinstein’s team.
“I have resigned as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein,” she tweeted.
“My understanding is that Mr. Weinstein and his board are moving toward an agreement.”
It’s another blow for Weinstein after another woman has come forward with claims for inappropriate sexual behaviour by The Weinstein Company exec.
US TV anchor Laura Sivan alleged to The Huffington Post that Weinstein once trapped her in a New York restaurant hallway and proceeded to perform a sexual act on himself in front of her – she says she was unable to leave until he finished.
Questioned on social media about why she didn’t come forward sooner, Silvan said it took more high-profile women to blaze the trail before she felt safe enough to do so.
“YOU try telling that story 10yrs ago,” she tweeted.
“Only possible now because of women with bigger names far braver than me.
“Luckily I didn’t need a job or favour from him [and] didn’t have to be polite. Others did. Keep that in mind.”
Weinstein released a lengthy apology amid the sexual harassment allegations published in an expose by the New York Times this week.
The 65-year-old mogul is stepping down and taking leave from The Weinstein Company to “deal with the issue head on.”
“I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologise for it,” he said in a recent statement. “Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.”
Actress Ashley Judd spoke to the NYT for the article, revealing how as a young actress, Judd was reportedly invited to Weinstein’s hotel room for what she thought was a business meeting.
According to the Times, Weinstein appeared in a bathrobe “and asked if he could give her a massage or she could watch him shower.” “‘How do I get out of the room as fast as possible without alienating Weinstein?’ Ms. Judd said she remembers thinking,” it recounts.
The report goes on to detail a female employee named Emily Nestor who was made an offer: accept Weinstein’s sexual advances and he would boost her career.
Another female employee was left crying and distraught when Weinstein “badgered her into giving him a massage while he was naked.”
