Following the publication of Lupita Nyong’o's essay for the New York Times about being sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein, a representative for the producer has released an official statement:
“Mr. Weinstein has a different recollection of the events, but believes Lupita is a brilliant actress and a major force for the industry. Last year, she sent a personal invitation to Mr. Weinstein to see her in her Broadway show ‘Eclipsed.'”
More than 40 women in Hollywood have come forward about their traumatizing experiences with the producer, but this marks the first time that he has publicly responded directly to one of his accusers. After the New Yorker published an exposé on the producer, he denied all of the sexual assault allegations through a representative.
“Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein," the statement reads. "Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances."
According to Deadline, the sexual assault claims against Weinstein are being investigated by the LAPD, NYPD and London police. So far, he has been removed from his company, The Academy, and the Producers Guild.
TMZ reports that Weinstein recently completed a weeklong outpatient program.