Peter Jackson Was Told That Harvey Weinstein Accusers Were Nightmares To Work With
Famed Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson has thrown his hat in the never-ending Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scandal.
Harvey Weinstein's Revenge
Jackson has stated in an interview with New Zealand's Stuff Magazine that while he had no direct knowledge of Weinstein's misdeeds, both Weinstein and his brother, Bob, "warned him" about starlets Ashley Judd and Mina Sorvino.
"I recall Miramax telling us they (Judd and Sorvino) were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs," said Jackson. "At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us---but in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing.
Jackson also stated that Weinstein was a dangerous man in Hollywood and shared his own horror story dealing with the Weinstein men when he was creating the first Lord of the Rings films.
He claimed that both Weinstein men behaved like "second-rate Mafia bullies" and added that they left a bad taste in his mouth.
Sorvino And Judd Respond
The actresses took to Twitter after the interview was published.
"Just seeing this after I woke, I burst out crying," wrote Sorvino. "There it is, confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure. Thank you, Peter Jackson, for being honest. I'm just heartsick."
Judd confirmed that she did meet with Jackson and his wife, Fran Walsh, during the beginning of the Lord of the Rings production process.
Peter & Fran had me in - showed me all the creative, the boards, costumes, everything. They asked which if the two roles I preferred, and then I abruptly never heard from hem again. I appreciate the truth coming out. Thank you, Peter. https://t.co/iXKuK6Xqtx
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) December 15, 2017
The Weinstein Scandal Unfolds
Judd was the first high profile actress to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Her shocking revelations lead to many more women to speak out against Weinstein including Sorvino, Rose McGowan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rosanna Arquette, and recently Salma Hayek, who called Weinstein: "my monster." Numerous consequences unfolded such as Weinstein being kicked out of his company, an accuser sued The Weinstein Company for $5 million, and Weinstein forfeiting his membership to the Motion Picture Academy. Since Weinstein's departure, the Motion Picture Academy approved higher standards of conduct when it comes to sexual abuse.
