Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Harvey Weinstein

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Harvey Weinstein.

Harvey Weinstein is an American film producer and convicted sex offender. He co-founded Miramax with his brother Bob in 1979, producing successful independent films like Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love, for which he won an Academy Award. He also won seven Tony Awards. After Miramax, the Weinstein brothers founded The Weinstein Company (TWC), where Harvey served as co-chairman from 2005 to 2017.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1977: Polanski's Charge

In 1977, Roman Polanski was charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl, to which he pleaded guilty before fleeing the country.

1989: MPAA Lawsuit and NC-17 Rating Introduction

In 1989, Miramax Films released The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover and Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, both of which received an X-rating from the MPAA. Harvey Weinstein sued the MPAA over the rating system, and although his lawsuit was thrown out, the MPAA introduced the NC-17 rating two months later.

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1993: Re-editing Farewell My Concubine

In 1993, Harvey Weinstein re-edited the Cannes Palme d'Or winner Farewell My Concubine for U.S. theatrical release, which angered Cannes jury head Louis Malle.

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August 31, 1996: Alleged Indecent Assaults in London

Between July 31 and August 31, 1996, Harvey Weinstein allegedly committed indecent assaults against a woman in London, leading to formal charges on June 8, 2022.

1997: Altering Visions of Foreign Filmmakers

In 1997, Harvey and Bob Weinstein were criticized for altering the vision of foreign filmmakers hired to create movies for Miramax, such as on the 1997 projects Mimic (directed by Guillermo del Toro) and Nightwatch (directed by Dane Ole Bornedal).

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2002: Delayed Release of The Quiet American

In 2002, Harvey Weinstein delayed the release of Phillip Noyce's The Quiet American following the September 11 attacks due to audience reaction in test screenings. He only decided to screen the film at the Toronto International Film Festival after being lobbied by star Michael Caine.

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2004: Alleged Acts Between 2004 and 2013

Between 2004 and 2013, Harvey Weinstein allegedly committed acts of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual battery, which resulted in him being charged in Los Angeles.

2006: New Allegation Surfaces

In 2006, a new allegation surfaced that Harvey Weinstein forced oral sex on a woman at a Manhattan hotel.

October 13, 2008: Accusations of Hassling Sydney Pollack

On October 13, 2008, Harvey Weinstein was accused of "hassling Sydney Pollack on his deathbed" about the release of the film The Reader.

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September 2009: Opposition to Polanski's Extradition

In September 2009, Harvey Weinstein publicly voiced opposition to efforts to extradite Roman Polanski from Switzerland to the U.S. regarding a 1977 charge.

February 2011: Michael Moore's Lawsuit Against the Weinstein Brothers

In February 2011, filmmaker Michael Moore took legal action against the Weinstein brothers, claiming they owed him $2.7 million in profits for his documentary Fahrenheit 9/11.

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February 2012: Moore Dropped Lawsuit for Undisclosed Settlement

In February 2012, Michael Moore dropped his lawsuit against the Weinstein brothers for an undisclosed settlement.

2013: Alleged Acts Between 2004 and 2013

Between 2004 and 2013, Harvey Weinstein allegedly committed acts of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual battery, which resulted in him being charged in Los Angeles.

2013: Alleged Sexual Assaults in Los Angeles

In 2013, Harvey Weinstein allegedly raped one woman and sexually assaulted another in Los Angeles, which led to charges being filed against him on January 6, 2020.

October 8, 2017: Fired from TWC

On October 8, 2017, Harvey Weinstein was fired from The Weinstein Company (TWC) after sexual abuse charges were released to the press.

October 10, 2017: Georgina Chapman Announces Separation

On October 10, 2017, Georgina Chapman, Harvey Weinstein's wife, publicly announced she was leaving him following the sexual harassment and assault allegations.

October 2017: Sexual Abuse Allegations and Dismissal

In October 2017, following sexual abuse allegations dating back to the late 1970s, Harvey Weinstein was dismissed from his company and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. More than 80 women made allegations of sexual harassment or rape against him by October 31. These allegations sparked the #MeToo social media campaign.

October 2017: Sexual Harassment and Assault Allegations

In October 2017, reports surfaced in The New York Times and The New Yorker detailing allegations from over a dozen women accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault, or rape, leading to his dismissal from his company, suspension from BAFTA, expulsion from the Academy, resignation from the DGA, and denouncement from political figures. Police in Los Angeles, New York, and London initiated investigations.

October 2017: Departure from Robin Hood Foundation

Until October 2017, Harvey Weinstein served on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation, a New York City-based non-profit focused on poverty, and co-chaired one of its annual benefits.

November 2017: Hiring of Black Cube

In November 2017, Ronan Farrow reported in The New Yorker that Harvey Weinstein hired the intelligence firm Black Cube to suppress abuse allegations, with investigators tracking and meeting journalists and actresses, including Rose McGowan.

2017: Revocation of Honors

In late 2017, the University at Buffalo revoked Harvey Weinstein's honorary doctorate, and French President Emmanuel Macron revoked his Legion of Honour.

May 2018: Arrested and Charged with Rape

In May 2018, Harvey Weinstein was arrested and charged with rape in New York City.

May 25, 2018: Weinstein Charged and Arrested

On May 25, 2018, the New York County District Attorney's Office charged Harvey Weinstein with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse, and sexual misconduct. He was arrested and released on US$1 million bail, surrendering his passport, wearing an ankle monitor, and restricted to travel in New York and Connecticut. His lawyer stated he would plead not guilty.

2019: Release of Untouchable Documentary

In 2019, the documentary "Untouchable" was released, featuring interviews with several of Harvey Weinstein's accusers.

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January 6, 2020: Trial Date Set and New Charges in Los Angeles

On January 6, 2020, the trial date for Harvey Weinstein was set. On that date, he was also charged in Los Angeles with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2013.

February 2020: Convicted of Felony Counts

In February 2020, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of two of five felony counts and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

February 24, 2020: Conviction in New York

On February 24, 2020, a jury convicted Harvey Weinstein on two of five criminal charges: criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree. He was remanded to jail at Rikers Island pending sentencing.

September 18, 2020: Stripped of Honorary CBE

On September 18, 2020, Harvey Weinstein was stripped of his honorary CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) following his conviction for rape and sexual assault.

July 20, 2021: Extradition to Los Angeles

On July 20, 2021, Harvey Weinstein was extradited to Los Angeles to face further charges at a subsequent trial.

June 2, 2022: Conviction Upheld on Appeal

On June 2, 2022, the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department upheld Harvey Weinstein's convictions and judgment on appeal.

June 8, 2022: Charged with Indecent Assault in London

On June 8, 2022, Harvey Weinstein was formally charged by the Metropolitan Police with two counts of indecent assault against a woman in London between July 31 and August 31, 1996.

August 25, 2022: Further Appeal Granted

On August 25, 2022, Harvey Weinstein was granted a further appeal before the New York Court of Appeals.

October 2022: Trial Commences in Los Angeles

In October 2022, the trial in Los Angeles commenced, where Harvey Weinstein was charged with multiple counts of rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual battery.

December 19, 2022: Convicted in Los Angeles Trial

On December 19, 2022, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of three of seven charges in the Los Angeles trial.

February 23, 2023: Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

On February 23, 2023, Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in prison for convictions in Los Angeles related to rape, forced oral copulation, and sexual misconduct. This sentence is to be served consecutively to his New York sentence.

April 11, 2023: Extradition Back to New York

On April 11, 2023, Harvey Weinstein was extradited from California back to the Mohawk Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

April 2023: Extradition Back to New York

In April 2023, Harvey Weinstein was extradited from California back to New York, returning to Mohawk Correctional Facility.

April 2024: New York Convictions Overturned

In April 2024, the New York convictions against Harvey Weinstein were overturned, and plans were made to retry him in New York City, resulting in his transfer back to Riker's Island prison.

April 25, 2024: New York Convictions Overturned

On April 25, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein's New York rape convictions due to "egregious errors" of procedure, ordering a retrial.

July 9, 2024: Investigation for Additional Claims

On July 9, 2024, New York prosecutors announced an investigation was underway for additional claims against Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault, including for claims that fall within the state's statute of limitations.

July 19, 2024: Retrial Ordered for New York Sex Abuse Charges

On July 19, 2024, it was ruled that Harvey Weinstein would be retried for the New York sex abuse charges, with a retrial start date tentatively set for November 12, 2024.

September 12, 2024: New York Grand Jury Indictment

On September 12, 2024, a New York grand jury indicted Harvey Weinstein on new charges, as announced by prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

September 2024: Retrial Discussions

During a court hearing on July 19, 2024, Judge Curtis Farber ruled that Harvey Weinstein would be retried and tentatively set the retrial to start in November 2024. Despite this, Farber also ruled that previous plans to have the retrial start in September 2024 were still an option, and the start date of the retrial would depend on pretrial discoveries.

September 2024: Plans Made for Retrial in New York

In September 2024, after the 2024 New York Court of Appeals decision, Harvey Weinstein was transferred back to New York's Rikers Island jail, with plans being made for a retrial to take place in New York.

September 18, 2024: Arraignment on New Indictment

On September 18, 2024, Harvey Weinstein was arraigned in New York for a new indictment, entering a plea of not guilty to one count of criminal sexual act in the first degree.