Convicted former film mogul Harvey Weinstein has given his first interview in six years, discussing life in prison and the charges brought against him.
The former head of Miramax Films was one of the most prominent names in the 2017 #MeToo movement, with more than 80 accusations of misconduct levelled against him. Weinstein has denied any and all wrongdoing, but is currently in Rikers Island prison following a rape conviction.
In 2020, the film producer was found guilty of first-degree and third-degree rape and sentenced to 23 years in prison. The New York Court of Appeals later overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction, deeming that the judge at the trial gave improper rulings. This included the decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
However, Weinstein remains imprisoned, serving a 16-year sentence following a 2022 California rape conviction.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter has interviewed him inside the New York City prison, where he discussed what life is like for him. Describing Rikers Island as “Hell”, Weinstein said: “I spend almost all of [my day] in my cell. Sometimes I’ll go out in the wheelchair just to get some air, but that’s only half an hour. Mostly I’m in my cell 23 hours a day. I don’t have any human contact other than with the guards.”
When asked if he had ever been hurt by anyone in the prison, he recalled: “One time while I was waiting to use the phone, I asked the guy in front of me if he was done. He got off and punched me hard in the face. I fell on the floor, bleeding everywhere. I was hurt really badly. The cops asked me who had done it, but I couldn’t say. You can’t be a rat. That’s the law of the jungle.”
Regarding his accusers, he continued to deny all claims made against him. “Did I make a pass at some of these women unsuccessfully? Did I overplay my hand? Yes.” he said. “Was I pushy or overly seductive? Yes to all of that. Look, I should never have gone out with the people I went out with.
“I was married to a fantastic woman who had no idea what I was doing. I lied all the time. I improperly used my staff to hide these things. But did I ever sexually assault a woman? No. I never did that.”
He ended the interview by saying if he had the choice, he would trade his life of Hollywood success for one more private. “Prison is a great way to think about your choices and your priorities” he explained. “All the Oscars and the big movies — I’m still really proud of them. But what good are they to me now? If I had to do it again, I would gladly make that trade. A life out of the spotlight, raising my kids and being with my family — that would have been a much better life.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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