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 a former 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. Later, the Weinstein brothers founded The Weinstein Company (TWC). Weinstein served as co-chairman from 2005 to 2017. His career ended after numerous allegations of sexual assault and misconduct surfaced, leading to his conviction.

Sections (6)

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

1977: Roman Polanski's charges

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: Controversy over X-rated films

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 rating board. Harvey Weinstein sued the MPAA over the rating system.

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1993: Re-editing of Farewell My Concubine

In 1993, Harvey Weinstein re-edited the Cannes Palme d'Or winner "Farewell My Concubine" for American theatrical release, drawing criticism from the Cannes jury head Louis Malle.

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August 31, 1996: Alleged Indecent Assault in London

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

1997: Altering the vision of foreign filmmakers

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

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2004: Alleged Acts by Weinstein Between 2004 and 2013

Between 2004 and 2013, Harvey Weinstein allegedly committed acts leading to charges of rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual battery, leading to his trial in Los Angeles in October 2022.

October 13, 2008: Accusation of hassling Sydney Pollack on his deathbed

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 Roman 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, Michael Moore took legal action against Harvey and Bob Weinstein, claiming they owed him $2.7 million in profits for his documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004).

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February 2012: Moore dropped the lawsuit for an undisclosed settlement.

In February 2012, Michael Moore dropped the lawsuit against Harvey and Bob Weinstein for an undisclosed settlement.

2013: Alleged Acts by Weinstein Between 2004 and 2013

Between 2004 and 2013, Harvey Weinstein allegedly committed acts leading to charges of rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual battery, leading to his trial in Los Angeles in October 2022.

2013: Weinstein accused of rape and sexual assault

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

October 8, 2017: Firing from TWC

On October 8, 2017, Harvey Weinstein was fired from The Weinstein Company (TWC) following the release of sexual abuse charges to the press.

October 10, 2017: Georgina Chapman announced she was leaving him

On October 10, 2017, Harvey Weinstein's wife, Georgina Chapman, announced that she was leaving him.

October 2017: Dismissal from company and expulsion from Academy

In October 2017, Harvey Weinstein was dismissed from his company and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following sexual abuse allegations. Over 80 women made allegations against him, sparking the #MeToo campaign.

October 2017: Sexual harassment and assault allegations

In October 2017, The New York Times and The New Yorker reported that more than a dozen women accused Harvey Weinstein of sexually harassing, assaulting, or raping them.

November 2017: Weinstein Hired Black Cube to Stop Abuse Allegations Publication

In November 2017, Ronan Farrow reported that Harvey Weinstein hired the private intelligence firm Black Cube to suppress abuse allegations. Black Cube investigators tracked journalists and actresses, including Rose McGowan. Weinstein also targeted individuals and compiled psychological profiles.

2017: Honorary Doctorate and Legion of Honour Revoked

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

May 2018: Arrest and rape charge in New York City

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

May 25, 2018: Weinstein Charged and Arrested in New York

On May 25, 2018, Harvey Weinstein was charged with rape and sexual misconduct by the New York County District Attorney's Office. He surrendered to the NYPD, was arrested, and released on US$1 million bail, surrendering his passport and wearing an ankle monitor.

2019: Release of "Untouchable" Documentary

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

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January 6, 2020: Weinstein Charged in Los Angeles

On January 6, 2020, a trial date was set in New York, and Harvey Weinstein was also charged in Los Angeles with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2013.

February 2020: Guilty verdict in New York

In February 2020, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of two of five felony counts in New York.

February 24, 2020: Weinstein Convicted in New York

On February 24, 2020, Harvey Weinstein was convicted of criminal sexual assault and rape in the third degree in New York. He was remanded to jail pending his sentencing.

September 18, 2020: Weinstein 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: New York Court Upholds Weinstein's Conviction

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

June 8, 2022: Weinstein Formally Charged 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: Weinstein Granted Further Appeal

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

October 2022: Weinstein's Trial Commenced in Los Angeles

In October 2022, the trial in Los Angeles commenced for Harvey Weinstein, who was charged with multiple counts of rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual battery stemming from alleged acts between 2004 and 2013.

December 19, 2022: Guilty verdict in Los Angeles

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

February 23, 2023: Weinstein Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison in Los Angeles

On February 23, 2023, Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his convictions in Los Angeles, which included charges of rape, forced oral copulation, and third-degree sexual misconduct.

April 11, 2023: Weinstein Extradited Back to New York

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

April 2024: Weinstein Transferred Back to Rikers Island

After the New York convictions were overturned in April 2024, and plans were made to retry him in New York City, Harvey Weinstein was transferred back to Rikers Island prison.

April 25, 2024: New York rape 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, though he remained in prison because of the California conviction.

July 9, 2024: New York Prosecutors Investigate Additional Claims Against Weinstein

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

July 19, 2024: Judge Rules Weinstein Will Be Retried in New York

On July 19, 2024, Judge Curtis Farber ruled that Harvey Weinstein would be retried for the overturned New York convictions, tentatively setting the retrial to start on November 12, 2024.

September 12, 2024: Weinstein Indicted on New Charges

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: Potential Retrial Start Date in September

In July 2024, Judge Curtis Farber 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 18, 2024: Weinstein Arraigned on New Indictment

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