Harvey Weinstein takes leave of absence following bombshell sexual harassment report

Harvey Weinstein is taking a leave of absence from the Weinstein Co. following a bombshell report in the New York Times about sexual harassment accusations dating back decades.

The Times cited “dozens” of current and former employees who reported inappropriate sexual behavior on Weinstein’s part. The paper also reported that Weinstein reached confidential settlements with at least eight women, including actress Rose McGowan.

Weinstein told the New York Times, “I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.”

The story cites a memo drafted by Lauren O’Connor, a former Weinstein Co. employee, which raised alarms about allegations over a two-year period.

While Weinstein disputes some of the specific allegations, he is working with a therapist to address his behavior, the Times reported.

The story quotes actress Ashley Judd, who spoke to Variety in 2015 about being sexually harassed by an unnamed mogul. Varietyreported Wednesday that Weinstein was readying a team of lawyers to deal with the accusations.

More to come…

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