In a prison interview set to air Tuesday, Harvey Weinstein has notably criticized one of his celebrity accusers. He seems to deflect attention towards Gwyneth Paltrow while acknowledging making a payment to Rose McGowan to keep her quiet.
The disgraced film executive, currently facing a high-profile rape retrial in Manhattan, participated in his first on-camera interview with conservative podcaster Candace Owens. Weinstein has been vocal about his conviction following his initial arrest seven years ago.
At 73, he appears to focus on a select few of his A-list accusers, namely Ashley Judd, Paltrow, and McGowan.
In a brief teaser clip from the interview, Weinstein insists he “did not commit these crimes” and expresses a desire to “see the people and my family that are watching before God and now.”
While he acknowledges making a pass at Paltrow, he strongly denies any wrongdoing. “It’s a complete forgery about my relationship with Gwyneth. I didn’t put my hands on her. I didn’t touch her,” he stated.
Paltrow had, during the height of the #MeToo movement, accused Weinstein of harassment on the sets of multiple films, alleging that he had preyed on her. She claimed he invited her to his hotel room and suggested a massage after her role in the 1996 film “Emma.”
Weinstein also addressed McGowan, who alleged that he had assaulted her in 1997 after she was cast in “Scream.”
“I settled down with Rose McGowan,” he admitted, recalling that he gave her $100,000 and added, “Don’t tell my wife, don’t get me in trouble. It’s all mixed up. It all leads to the idea that I’ll be something they persecute.”
Weinstein was married to fashion designer Georgina Chapman in 2003, but they divorced in 2021 amid numerous allegations of sexual abuse and assault.
He dismissed Judd’s accusations as “silly.” Following the numerous allegations in 2017, Weinstein became synonymous with sexual misconduct in Hollywood.
Weinstein has been convicted of various sexual offenses in both New York and California. He is currently on trial in New York after an appeals court overturned his conviction, citing biased testimony. He continues to plead not guilty and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted again.
