Harvey Weinstein facing criminal investigations over allegations

The film producer is also being sought by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for emergency talks

Harvey Weinstein is facing criminal investigations into the mounting claims of sexual harassment and assault that have been made against him in the past week.

The film producer, who was fired from the board of his own company last weekend, has come under intense scrutiny following the allegations, some of which date back decades.

The Guardian reports that London’s Metropolitan police are assessing a sexual abuse allegation made against Weinstein. Scotland Yard said: “The Met has been passed an allegation of sexual abuse by Merseyside police on Wednesday 11 October. The allegation will be assessed by officers from the child abuse and sexual offences command.” The report says “there is no indication the complaint relates to child abuse”.

Advertisement

In his hometown of New York police are carrying out a “review” looking for new complaints against Weinstein. The Daily Mail have reported that the US Department of Justice have instructed the FBI to investigate Weinstein – with some fearing that Weinstein may flee to Europe in order to avoid potential prosecution.

An FBI spokesman said that: “We do not confirm or deny the existence of ongoing investigations.”

The New York Post have also reported that The New York Police Department have opened an investigation into Weinstein, with The Special Victims Division having been ordered to “endeavour to identify and locate and interview any potential victims” – according to a high-ranking police source.

Lt John Grimpel of the NYPD said in a statement: “Based on information referenced in published news reports the NYPD is conducting a review to determine if there are any additional complaints relating to the Harvey Weinstein matter. No filed complaints have been identified as of this time and as always, the NYPD encourages anyone who may have information pertaining to this matter to call the CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.”

Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein

Weinstein is also being sought by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – who host the Oscars – for emergency talks. The Academy will meet on Saturday (October 14) to “discuss the allegations against Weinstein and any actions warranted by the academy” [via BBC].

Advertisement

Last night (October 11), Cara Delevigne became the latest high-profile Hollywood name to speak out against Weinstein, claiming that the producer sexually harassed her during a business meeting, attempting to kiss her and coerce her into having a threesome.

Earlier this week (October 10), a New Yorker exposé saw Weinstein accused of rape by multiple women, which he “unequivocally denies”.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

TRENDING

Advertisement

More Stories