Emma Thompson calls Harvey Weinstein 'a predator' as she compares allegations to Jimmy Savile scandal

Emma Powell13 October 2017
The Weekender

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Actress Emma Thompson labelled Harvey Weinstein a predator as she compared the “conspiracy of silence” over sexual allegations made against him to the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Thompson, 58, is the latest high profile name to condemn the Hollywood producer who has had allegations of sexual harassment and assault levelled against him. He was also accused of rape by three women - claims he “unequivocally denies”.

The actress said she was unaware of Weinstein’s alleged behaviour over the last 30 years, but admitted to not being surprised as she spent her 20s “trying to keep old men’s tongues out of my mouth”.

She likened the unfolding of allegations made against the film mogul to the Jimmy Savile scandal in 2012.

Speaking to the BBC's Newsnight programme she said: “What I find extraordinary is this man is at the top of a very particular iceberg. I don’t think you can describe him as a sex addict, he’s a predator – that’s different.

Emma Thompson

“What he’s the top of the ladder of is a system of harassment and belittling and bullying and interference and what my mother would have referred to in the olden days as ‘pestering’.”

The Nanny McPhee actress, who was being interviewed by BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, said Weinstein is in no way an exception to the rule and claimed his “disgusting behaviour” is “endemic to the system.”

Thompson added: "Isn't it the same story as Jimmy Savile? It's the same story Emily.

"If someone's powerful you can say, as the nurses used to do in those hospitals: 'Be careful, be careful, pretend you're asleep'.

"So some of the agents may have said, 'Look, he's a little bit... he's a little bit oily, he's a little bit this.

"Don't worry. Again, he might pester you a bit. But you know, go in."

Over: Harvey Weinstein's wife Georgina Chapman has split from him
REUTERS

Asked if there were other men like Weinstein in the industry, she replied: “Of course, many. Maybe not to that degree, but do they all have to be as bad as him to make it count? Does it only count if you really have done it to loads of women or does it count if you’ve just done it to one woman once? I think it’s the latter.”

Thompson – who said there were “probably a million missed opportunities to call this man out” – said film bosses need to be calling out inappropriate behaviour “all of the time” if there is to be any change.

Referencing President Donald Trump's “grab them by the pussy” remark, she said: “This has been part of women’s worlds since time immemorial. So what we need to start talking about is the crisis in masculinity. It’s not only not OK, but it is also represented by the most powerful man in the world right now.”

Tens of actresses have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct including Rose McGowan, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale.

The Oscar winning producer could face charges after the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday that it was assessing a sexual assault allegation made against him.

The New York Police Department also confirmed it was looking into the allegations.

Weinstein, who has flown to Arizona for therapy, yesterday pleaded for a second chance after telling reporters outside his daughter’s home that he was “not doing OK”.

In response to the harassment claims, Weinstein has apologised for his behaviour but has said many of the allegations against him are false. His spokesperson had said that the categorically denies any non-consensual sexual activity.

Weinstein, who has flown to Arizona for therapy, yesterday pleaded for a second chance after telling reporters outside his daughter’s home that he was “not doing OK”.

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