Weinstein accused of rape; Obamas, celebs join chorus of condemnation

LOS ANGELES: Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein faced claims on Tuesday he raped an Italian film star and two other women, in a widening scandal that has drawn condemnation from across the film industry as well as America’s liberal political elite. And two of Hollywood’s most powerful women may have sealed the fate of Harvey Weinstein.

Tuesday’s accounts from Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie of harassment they say they endured from Weinstein were the latest shocking revelation in the mogul’s downfall. The accounts published in The New York Times came hours after The New Yorker reported that three women have accused Weinstein of raping them.

The women’s allegations against the movie mogul were made in an expose published by the New Yorker on Tuesday. Weinstein denies all charges, according to a statement from his spokeswoman. But former President Barack Obama and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton have weighed in to condemn the Oscar-winning producer, a longtime Democratic Party donor who has become a political liability.

The Obamas released a statement saying: "Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status. We should celebrate the courage of women who have come forward to tell these painful stories. And we all need to build a culture — including by empowering our girls and teaching our boys decency and respect."