# Harvey Weinstein accused of multiple cases of sexual harassment **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 5, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073 "2017-10-05T23:31:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/221 "2017-10-12T03:03:06Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Oddly, Harvey Weinstein can and is using the Blank Slate defense against charges of sexual harassment. Sexual activity between boss and subordinate is by definition harassment. It doesn’t matter what Lewinsky claims. It may depend on where you are. I know up here in Canada, the definition of sexual assault/harassment includes any relationship that is seen as “exploitative”. So, by that definition, yes, Lewinsky could not have consented because of the nature of their professional relationship. It would still be unlikely to be prosecuted, but that is the law as per the Criminal Code of Canada, as least as it reads to this layperson (and several SMEs in the area of sexual assault counselling). I am not as familiar with the laws in the US. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/222 "2017-10-12T05:16:52Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Because the MEDIA outed him and he became expendable. If he’s the only one who goes down, that means Hollywood still protects sexual predators. He was accused on Thursday and fired on Sunday. What are you calling for? Should we start firing people before they’re accused? ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/223 "2017-10-12T06:53:50Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > He was accused on Thursday and fired on Sunday. What are you calling for? Should we start firing people before they’re accused? …the point is he wasn’t “accused” on Thursday. He’s been the subject of lawsuits and settlements going back 30 years. What happened Thursday wasn’t that he was accused. It was that the accusations entered the public domain. _They knew._ The board knew. His friends and associates knew. We would have known a few months ago if NBC hadn’t killed the story. He wasn’t fired because he was a despicable arseshole. He was fired because he had become a liability. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/224 "2017-10-12T07:47:01Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > He was accused on Thursday and fired on Sunday. What are you calling for? Should we start firing people before they’re accused? Except they didn’t fire him because they just found out about this stuff. They fired him because we just found out about this stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/225 "2017-10-12T08:29:19Z")
> [@Luv40](#): > > Trump is boorish and his “locker room talk” is repulsive, but Bill Clinton has been accused of sexual assault several times and his accusers have never backed off of their claims. > [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > And if Juanita Broderick is to be believed, Clinton flat out forcibly raped her, kissing her so roughly while doing so that it left her with a cut and swollen lip, for which he callously suggested ice as he left the room. Actually, Juanita Broaddrick **did** “back off her claim”, filing an affidavit that Clinton had not “made unwelcome sexual advances” to her. And then later on television she recanted the affidavit and said that he had. I’m not choosing one story over another - I can think of compelling reasons why she might lie about being assaulted when she hadn’t been, and compelling reasons why she might lie about not being assaulted when she had been - but it is untrue that none of Clinton’s accusers have changed their stories. And it suggests a certain amount of caution is required before unquestionably accepting one version over another. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/226 "2017-10-12T13:35:47Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > It may depend on where you are. I know up here in Canada, the definition of sexual assault/harassment includes any relationship that is seen as “exploitative”. So, by that definition, yes, Lewinsky could not have consented because of the nature of their professional relationship. It would still be unlikely to be prosecuted, but that is the law as per the Criminal Code of Canada, as least as it reads to this layperson (and several SMEs in the area of sexual assault counselling). > > I am not as familiar with the laws in the US. I see the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal as more of a hostile workplace situation than a sexual harassment situation. I’m not saying this to minimize it. It was sleazy and wrong and if she’d been a couple of years younger it would have been rape. But she was the instigator by all accounts. It’s my opinion that she had psychological issues that should have been obvious and should not have been exploited. On the other hand, she was legally considered a competent adult. There will always be women who are willing and even eager to have a sexual relationship with their boss. They often get special favors and preferential treatment with regards to salaries and promotions. But even if they don’t, they will always get something of value - access. One on one time with your boss is a privilege in most cases. Getting to hang out with the President of the United States in his private office is a privilege. This can put women who don’t fool around with the boss at a disadvantage in the workplace and if it is tolerated and allowed to flourish it can create a hostile work environment where sexual favors become expected. Plus it makes associates and coworkers uncomfortable and creates unnecessary workplace drama. Then situations are created where other employees are pushed into complicity. This seemed to be what happened with Weinstein. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/227 "2017-10-12T13:48:21Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > Except they didn’t fire him because they just found out about this stuff. They fired him because we just found out about this stuff. It was the subject of jokes on the TV show 30 Rock. Jenna claimed “she wasn’t afraid of anyone in show business” because she “turned down intercourse with Harvey Weinstein on at least 3 out of 5 occasions”. And there was another reference. Link is below > **['30 Rock' Joked About Harvey Weinstein’s Alleged Sexual Aggression](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/30-rock-joked-about-harvey-weinsteins-alleged-sexual-aggression-w508433/)** > > '30 Rock’ referenced Harvey Weinstein’s ways with women in two episodes during its run on NBC — read more ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/228 "2017-10-12T14:22:41Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > It was the subject of jokes on the TV show 30 Rock. Jenna claimed “she wasn’t afraid of anyone in show business” because she “turned down intercourse with Harvey Weinstein on at least 3 out of 5 occasions”. He wants another crack at her, though. [Harvey Weinstein ‘hopes for second chance’](http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41597159) ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/229 "2017-10-12T15:13:26Z")
Rose McGowan had her[Twitter account](https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/12/some-call-for-twitter-boycott-after-rose-mcgowan-is-partially-suspended.html) temporarily suspended. Interesting timing. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/230 "2017-10-12T15:25:47Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > Rose McGowan had her[Twitter account](https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/12/some-call-for-twitter-boycott-after-rose-mcgowan-is-partially-suspended.html) temporarily suspended. Interesting timing. She was being kind of a dick calling out male actors for not coming forward completely oblivious to the fact that the same reasons that women chose not to come forward apply to them, not to mention the added fear that the women would not back them up. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/231 "2017-10-12T19:26:44Z")
**[Moderating]** > [@aldiboronti](#): > > Unbelievable that some in this thread are actually defending this dirtbag. They actually seem incapable of distinguishing between asking a woman out on a date and leering at her while waggling your dick and demanding that she suck it or she’ll never work in this town again. (That’s probably **Dr Deth** ’s idea of a romantic evening.) **aldiboronti** , this is very clearly a personal insult, and very clearly over the line. Don’t do this again. EDIT: I assigned a Warning earlier, but apparently forgot to mention it here. Consider it mentioned. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/232 "2017-10-12T19:30:08Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > He wants another crack at her, though. [Harvey Weinstein ‘hopes for second chance’](http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41597159) Whoops. I’ve read the article, and it turns out I misunderstood his statement. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2017, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/233 "2017-10-12T21:49:24Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > She was being kind of a dick calling out male actors for not coming forward completely oblivious to the fact that the same reasons that women chose not to come forward apply to them, not to mention the added fear that the women would not back them up. …she is not calling out men for “not coming forward.” She is calling out men who are obvious hypocrites. She is calling out men who told her one thing privately and then are acting like those conversations never ever happened. She is calling out men who have condemned Weinstein but are guilty of groping and other bad behaviour themselves. So no, I don’t think she is being “kind of a dick.” She has been at the forefront of calling out these actions for years. But no one listened to her before. According to twitter she was suspended because she tweeted a phone number which is fair enough: but others have done the same as her (notably Trump back in 2015) and have not been suspended. Now that the number has been deleted the suspension has been lifted. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/234 "2017-10-13T00:03:52Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > I do understand why they didn’t and why they still won’t. My own opinion is that Hollywood exists today, to launder money. Its a laundramat for the Mob, and if those actresses still after all this time won’t come forward, its not because of Weinstein. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/235 "2017-10-13T00:49:23Z")
> [@Declan](#): > > My own opinion is that Hollywood exists today, to launder money. Its a laundramat for the Mob, and if those actresses still after all this time won’t come forward, its not because of Weinstein. Um, what? ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/236 "2017-10-13T03:52:24Z")
Those who are defending Weinstein (this was ‘unwanted advances,’ really?) - Rose McGowan is alleging flat-out actual rape. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/237 "2017-10-13T06:37:34Z")
Sometimes I enjoy being wrong. Oliver Stone is now getting the treatment: > **[Playboy Playmate accuses Oliver Stone of groping her breast at a party](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4976186/Playboy-Playmate-accuses-Oliver-Stone-groping-breast.html)** > > 'When I heard about Harvey, I recalled Oliver walking past me & grabbing my boob as he walked out the front door of a party. Two of a kind!,' Carrie Stevens, 48, tweeted on Thursday. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/238 "2017-10-13T12:35:47Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > The thing is, there is absolutely no evidence that Allen has ever engaged in pedophilic behavior apart from this one allegation. > > \ > > Frank Sinatra’s valet, George Jacobs, wrote in his book that Farrow had a master plan of accomplished men she planned to marry and have children with. And you accept this on the basis of this one allegation? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/239 "2017-10-13T12:39:31Z")
Well, we finally have [our token left-of-center celeb defending Weinstein](http://deadline.com/2017/10/director-oliver-stone-on-harvey-weinstein-its-not-easy-what-hes-going-through-1202187651/). And looks like it just might be a case of [birds of a feather](http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/playboy-playmate-accuses-oliver-stone-sexual-assault-article-1.3559353). ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073/240 "2017-10-13T13:09:01Z")
Frank Sinatra had a valet ? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-multiple-cases-of-sexual-harassment/798073.md?page=13)