New York - Harvey Weinstein complained in an interview that his
"pioneering" work helping women's film careers has been forgotten in
the wake of sexual assault allegations against him.
"I feel like the forgotten man," the disgraced Hollywood mogul said
in his first interview in a year, published in the New York Post
newspaper on Sunday.
"I made more movies directed by women and about women than any
filmmaker, and I'm talking about 30 years ago. I'm not talking about
now when it's vogue. I did it first! I pioneered it!" he added.
Weinstein, 67, whose trial on rape and sexual assault charges begins
on January 6, has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual
misconduct.
"It all got eviscerated because of what happened," the former movie
producer told the Post. "My work has been forgotten."
According to the paper, Weinstein refused to speak about the
allegations against him, agreeing to the interview only to prove that
he was recovering from back surgery.
He appeared in court in recent weeks using a walking frame, prompting
rumours that he was attempting to garner sympathy.
In response to the interview, 23 of Weinstein's accusers, including
actress Ashley Judd, said he was "trying to gaslight society again."
"We refuse to let this predator rewrite his legacy of abuse," the
statement added.
Weinstein and his former film studio have reached a tentative
25-million-dollar settlement with 30 accusers, the New York Times
reported last week.
The deal would end nearly all civil lawsuits against Weinstein, who
would not have to admit any wrongdoing.