Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial sees a new day as the&nbsp;judge overseeing the case has dropped four of the 11 charges against him. This happened after prosecutors said that they do not intend to proceed with counts connected to one of the accusers.&nbsp;

The four charges dropped are those of two counts of forcible rape and two counts of forced oral copulation. These were both accused by a woman named Jane Doe 5. Meanwhile, eight other women will testify in the case against Harvey Weinstein.&nbsp;

Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the remaining seven sexual assault charges, including two counts of rape and five counts of sexual assault dating from 2004 to 2013.

The trial resumed with further cross-examination of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker and the wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. She testified that the disgraced producer raped her in a hotel in 2005 when she was 31 years old. She said, "Sir, I was assaulted by him.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/emily-blunt-doesnt-want-to-play-strong-female-lead-in-films-im-bored-534610" hreflang="en">Emily Blunt doesn't want to play 'strong female lead' in films: I'm bored</a>

It so happened that Weinstein called her to his room to discuss potential film projects and then raped her. When asked why she remained in the hotel suite, she said, "Because you don't say no to Harvey Weinstein. He could make or ruin your career. I thought I was going to discuss my projects."

Harvey Weinstein was found guilty in 2020 in New York of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape and was sentenced to 23 years in prison. He has maintained his innocence and called these allegations baseless and the sex “consensual”.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial sees a new day as the judge overseeing the case has dropped four of the 11 charges against him. This happened after prosecutors said that they do not intend to proceed with counts connected to one of the accusers.

Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial sees a new day as the judge overseeing the case has dropped four of the 11 charges against him. This happened after prosecutors said that they do not intend to proceed with counts connected to one of the accusers. The four charges dropped are those of two counts of forcible rape and two counts of forced oral copulation. These were both accused by a woman named Jane Doe 5. Meanwhile, eight other women will testify in the case against Harvey Weinstein. Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the remaining seven sexual assault charges, including two counts of rape and five counts of sexual assault dating from 2004 to 2013. The trial resumed with further cross-examination of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker and the wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. She testified that the disgraced producer raped her in a hotel in 2005 when she was 31 years old. She said, "Sir, I was assaulted by him.” Emily Blunt doesn't want to play 'strong female lead' in films: I'm bored It so happened that Weinstein called her to his room to discuss potential film projects and then raped her. When asked why she remained in the hotel suite, she said, "Because you don't say no to Harvey Weinstein. He could make or ruin your career. I thought I was going to discuss my projects." Harvey Weinstein was found guilty in 2020 in New York of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape and was sentenced to 23 years in prison. He has maintained his innocence and called these allegations baseless and the sex “consensual”.

Harvey Weinstein: Four out of 11 charges in sexual assault case dropped

The guilty verdict in the sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein on Monday energised Hollywood celebrities and activists who said it was just the start of their movement to hold abusers accountable.

After Weinstein was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-found-guilty-of-sexual-assault-rape-282480">taken to jail in handcuffs</a>, advocates promised a renewed push for changes in the law that would allow more victims of sex crimes to have their day in court.

Members of the Silence Breakers, a group of Weinstein accusers, said they would redouble efforts to persuade lawmakers to revise statutes of limitations in several states that limit prosecutors from bringing sexual assault and rape cases after a certain period of time.

"The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over," actress Mira Sorvino, one of the more than 80 women who accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, said on a conference call with more than a dozen of the Silence Breakers.

Weinstein has said any sexual encounters he had were consensual.

Time's Up, the organization founded in 2018 by Hollywood celebrities after the Weinstein allegations became public, said the trial marked a "new era of justice" and urged people on social media to join the cause.

'Legally Blonde'&nbsp;star Reese Witherspoon, a founding member of Time's Up, tweeted: "This is just the beginning."

She included a link to a Time's Up web page where people could add their names and "pledge to continue this fight."

In 2019, Time's Up worked with other advocates to persuade New York lawmakers to extend the time period for prosecuting several sex crimes, including second-degree rape and second-degree sexual assault, from five years to 20 years. The state also eliminated the statute of limitations for first-degree incest.

Actress Rosanna Arquette said Monday's verdict brought hope to victims that their voices would be heard.

"Going forward, we must actively pursue strengthening laws and closing loopholes in our criminal system so that more rape cases will be prosecuted and rapists will be held accountable," Arquette said on the Silence Breakers' conference call.

Advocates still face several challenges.

One hurdle has been the reluctance of women to go public with accusations, and the Weinstein trial showed that they will continue to face tough grilling in a court of law. Defence lawyers questioned women who testified against Weinstein about their appearance at the time of the alleged attacks, their drinking habits and whether they used Weinstein to land a Hollywood acting job.

Some advocates noted that it would take sustained efforts to ensure that women in workplaces outside the movie business received support.

A statement released by the Me Too organization, led by activist Tarana Burke, noted that it had taken "years, and millions of voices raised, for (Weinstein) to be held accountable by the justice system."

The implications "reverberate far beyond Hollywood," the group said.

"Though today a man has been found guilty, we have to wonder whether anyone will care about the rest of us tomorrow. This is why we say MeToo," the statement added.

The guilty verdict in the sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein on Monday energised Hollywood celebrities and activists who said it was just the start of their movement to hold abusers accountable.

The guilty verdict in the sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein on Monday energised Hollywood celebrities and activists who said it was just the start of their movement to hold abusers accountable. After Weinstein was taken to jail in handcuffs, advocates promised a renewed push for changes in the law that would allow more victims of sex crimes to have their day in court. Members of the Silence Breakers, a group of Weinstein accusers, said they would redouble efforts to persuade lawmakers to revise statutes of limitations in several states that limit prosecutors from bringing sexual assault and rape cases after a certain period of time. "The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over," actress Mira Sorvino, one of the more than 80 women who accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, said on a conference call with more than a dozen of the Silence Breakers. Weinstein has said any sexual encounters he had were consensual. Time's Up, the organization founded in 2018 by Hollywood celebrities after the Weinstein allegations became public, said the trial marked a "new era of justice" and urged people on social media to join the cause. 'Legally Blonde' star Reese Witherspoon, a founding member of Time's Up, tweeted: "This is just the beginning." She included a link to a Time's Up web page where people could add their names and "pledge to continue this fight." In 2019, Time's Up worked with other advocates to persuade New York lawmakers to extend the time period for prosecuting several sex crimes, including second-degree rape and second-degree sexual assault, from five years to 20 years. The state also eliminated the statute of limitations for first-degree incest. Actress Rosanna Arquette said Monday's verdict brought hope to victims that their voices would be heard. "Going forward, we must actively pursue strengthening laws and closing loopholes in our criminal system so that more rape cases will be prosecuted and rapists will be held accountable," Arquette said on the Silence Breakers' conference call. Advocates still face several challenges. One hurdle has been the reluctance of women to go public with accusations, and the Weinstein trial showed that they will continue to face tough grilling in a court of law. Defence lawyers questioned women who testified against Weinstein about their appearance at the time of the alleged attacks, their drinking habits and whether they used Weinstein to land a Hollywood acting job. Some advocates noted that it would take sustained efforts to ensure that women in workplaces outside the movie business received support. A statement released by the Me Too organization, led by activist Tarana Burke, noted that it had taken "years, and millions of voices raised, for (Weinstein) to be held accountable by the justice system." The implications "reverberate far beyond Hollywood," the group said. "Though today a man has been found guilty, we have to wonder whether anyone will care about the rest of us tomorrow. This is why we say MeToo," the statement added.

'Just the beginning,' activists say after cheering Harvey Weinstein guilty verdict

As former media mogul Harvey Wesintein’s rape trial continues in its first leg, four men and three women were chosen Thursday as jurors. The judge presiding over the selection told the jurors to not use the case to make a broader statement on the #MeToo movement but to judge it purely on evidence.&nbsp;

"This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement," Justice James Burke told the potential jurors on Thursday. "You must decide this case on the evidence."

Among the jurors selected, a woman works at a sports venue, a woman who works as a security guard and a man who is in banking sector.&nbsp;

The entire bench including the prosecutors, Weinstein’s lawyers and justice James Burke are striving to select 12 jurors and six alternates before opening statements on the rape trial. The trial is expected to begin on January 22.&nbsp;

Earlier yesterday, all jurors who had already passed a round of pre-screening and submitted written questionnaires, were questioned in groups of 20 by the lawyers in the case. As many were found to have known about the case, thus were not found impartial -- were<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/judge-excuses-dozens-of-new-yorkers-from-serving-on-harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-jury-273075"> striked off by Weinstein’s lawyers</a>. At one point, while jurors were out of the room, prosecutor Joan Illuzzi accused Weinstein's lawyers of systematically striking "every white female" from the pool. Among those strike out, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gigi-hadid-among-potential-jurors-in-the-harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-274212">supermodel Gigi Hadid's </a>name is also added.&nbsp;

Donna Rotunno, one of Weinstein's lawyers said, "We are here to try to pick a fair jury," she said. "This is not some conspiracy against the state."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-charged-with-rape-in-la-could-face-up-to-28-years-in-prison-272659">Also read:&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison</a>

Harvey Weinstein is 67 as he pleaded not guilty on all accounts. According to him, all sexual encounters that are now being played as counts of harassment and rape were consensual between him and the women. But, if Weinstein is convicted, he will face life in prison.&nbsp;

Currently the case is on for atleast more than woman has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape while in 2017 when the issue snowballed, mor ethan 80 women including big Hollywood stars accused him of several degree of sexual assault.&nbsp;

Weinstein's rape trial began on January 6 and is expected to last up to two months. The former filmmaker had made a plea yesterday to delay the trial and move it out of Manhattan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-urges-court-to-delay-rape-trial-move-it-out-of-manhattan-274522">Read why.&nbsp;</a> 
&nbsp;

As former media mogul Harvey Wesintein’s rape trial continues in its first leg, four men and three women were chosen Thursday as jurors. The judge presiding over the selection told the jurors to not use the case to make a broader statement on the #MeToo movement but to judge it purely on evidence.

As former media mogul Harvey Wesintein’s rape trial continues in its first leg, four men and three women were chosen Thursday as jurors. The judge presiding over the selection told the jurors to not use the case to make a broader statement on the #MeToo movement but to judge it purely on evidence. "This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement," Justice James Burke told the potential jurors on Thursday. "You must decide this case on the evidence." Among the jurors selected, a woman works at a sports venue, a woman who works as a security guard and a man who is in banking sector. The entire bench including the prosecutors, Weinstein’s lawyers and justice James Burke are striving to select 12 jurors and six alternates before opening statements on the rape trial. The trial is expected to begin on January 22. Earlier yesterday, all jurors who had already passed a round of pre-screening and submitted written questionnaires, were questioned in groups of 20 by the lawyers in the case. As many were found to have known about the case, thus were not found impartial -- were striked off by Weinstein’s lawyers. At one point, while jurors were out of the room, prosecutor Joan Illuzzi accused Weinstein's lawyers of systematically striking "every white female" from the pool. Among those strike out, supermodel Gigi Hadid's name is also added. Donna Rotunno, one of Weinstein's lawyers said, "We are here to try to pick a fair jury," she said. "This is not some conspiracy against the state." Also read: Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison Harvey Weinstein is 67 as he pleaded not guilty on all accounts. According to him, all sexual encounters that are now being played as counts of harassment and rape were consensual between him and the women. But, if Weinstein is convicted, he will face life in prison. Currently the case is on for atleast more than woman has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape while in 2017 when the issue snowballed, mor ethan 80 women including big Hollywood stars accused him of several degree of sexual assault. Weinstein's rape trial began on January 6 and is expected to last up to two months. The former filmmaker had made a plea yesterday to delay the trial and move it out of Manhattan. Read why.

Judge on Harvey Weinstein rape trial tells jurors to not use case to make a statement on #MeToo

After Harvey Weinstein remained in headlines for the last past year and more, the former media mogul who was named by several women in #MeToo scandal now wants to get it all under the rug by proposing a $25 million settlement to the women survivors of sexual assault and rape. He had recently&nbsp;agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case&nbsp;after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor. He&nbsp;posted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-posts-new-bond-to-ensure-he-wont-flee-sexual-assault-trial-267801">$2 million insurance bond.</a>

The much-publicised case seems to have come to an end-of-sorts as Harvey Weinstein and company offer to give money to close the case. It also makes a statement on the affairs of entertainment industries around the world where those in power go scot-free after abusing their power.&nbsp;

The settlement offer is now getting criticised by lawyers of several women who were abused by Weinstein as they said that the deal kept aside far too little money for the victims and far too much cash for the perpetrator and his attorneys.&nbsp;

Lawyer Thomas Giuffra said, “I think it’s an outrage. It’s a lousy number, it’s way too low,” said Giuffra, who called the overall design of the settlement “crazy.” He represents producer Alexandra Canosa, who accused Weinstein of rape and sexual abuse.&nbsp;

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for three Weinstein accusers said, “This is the worst settlement I’ve seen in my entire career,” and added, “It’s a complete disaster. It leaves very little to the victims.” He represents actress Wedil David, who is opposing the deal. His other clients include a woman who was a minor at the time of the alleged abuse, who has a claim against Weinstein and the Disney company and a woman who will testify against Weinstein in his criminal case.

Both lawyers, Giuffra and Wigdor as reported on CNBC said that they would oppose keeping an additional $12 million to pay toward the legal costs of Harvey and Bob Weinstein, as well as of such costs for directors of their company.

#MeToo movement saw several women come forward with their sexual abuse stories. Harvey Weinstein was one of the first such high-profile case in which more than 30 women accused Weinstein.&nbsp;

Weinstein is due to go on trial in January in Manhattan court on criminal charges of sexually assaulting two women. He has pleaded not guilty in that case.

After Harvey Weinstein remained in headlines for the last past year and more, the former media mogul who was named by several women in #MeToo scandal now wants to get it all under the rug by proposing a $25 million settlement to the women survivors of sexual assault and rape.

After Harvey Weinstein remained in headlines for the last past year and more, the former media mogul who was named by several women in #MeToo scandal now wants to get it all under the rug by proposing a $25 million settlement to the women survivors of sexual assault and rape. He had recently agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor. He posted a $2 million insurance bond. The much-publicised case seems to have come to an end-of-sorts as Harvey Weinstein and company offer to give money to close the case. It also makes a statement on the affairs of entertainment industries around the world where those in power go scot-free after abusing their power. The settlement offer is now getting criticised by lawyers of several women who were abused by Weinstein as they said that the deal kept aside far too little money for the victims and far too much cash for the perpetrator and his attorneys. Lawyer Thomas Giuffra said, “I think it’s an outrage. It’s a lousy number, it’s way too low,” said Giuffra, who called the overall design of the settlement “crazy.” He represents producer Alexandra Canosa, who accused Weinstein of rape and sexual abuse. Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for three Weinstein accusers said, “This is the worst settlement I’ve seen in my entire career,” and added, “It’s a complete disaster. It leaves very little to the victims.” He represents actress Wedil David, who is opposing the deal. His other clients include a woman who was a minor at the time of the alleged abuse, who has a claim against Weinstein and the Disney company and a woman who will testify against Weinstein in his criminal case. Both lawyers, Giuffra and Wigdor as reported on CNBC said that they would oppose keeping an additional $12 million to pay toward the legal costs of Harvey and Bob Weinstein, as well as of such costs for directors of their company. #MeToo movement saw several women come forward with their sexual abuse stories. Harvey Weinstein was one of the first such high-profile case in which more than 30 women accused Weinstein. Weinstein is due to go on trial in January in Manhattan court on criminal charges of sexually assaulting two women. He has pleaded not guilty in that case.

#MeToo sexual abuse survivors lash Harvey Weinstein over $25 million settlement offer

Harvey Weinstein agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case brought by New York prosecutors, who had sought to increase his bail after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor. 
 
Prosecutors had sought $5 million bail for the former Hollywood producer rather than the original $1 million, but Justice James Burke of the State Supreme Court in Manhattan agreed to let Weinstein post a $2 million insurance bond. 
 
Weinstein, 67, used a walker to enter the courthouse. His lawyer, Donna Rotunno, said he is expected to have back surgery on Thursday. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020, and Weinstein could face life in prison if convicted on the top counts. 
 
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. He has also denied allegations by roughly 70 women of sexual misconduct dating back decades, saying any contact was consensual. 
 
The insurance bond will be insured by Weinstein`s original bail and some other assets, his lawyer said.

Harvey Weinstein agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case brought by New York prosecutors, who had sought to increase his bail after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor.

Harvey Weinstein agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case brought by New York prosecutors, who had sought to increase his bail after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor. Prosecutors had sought $5 million bail for the former Hollywood producer rather than the original $1 million, but Justice James Burke of the State Supreme Court in Manhattan agreed to let Weinstein post a $2 million insurance bond. Weinstein, 67, used a walker to enter the courthouse. His lawyer, Donna Rotunno, said he is expected to have back surgery on Thursday. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020, and Weinstein could face life in prison if convicted on the top counts. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. He has also denied allegations by roughly 70 women of sexual misconduct dating back decades, saying any contact was consensual. The insurance bond will be insured by Weinstein`s original bail and some other assets, his lawyer said.

Harvey Weinstein posts new bond to ensure he won't flee sexual assault trial

It was a morning of celebration on Wednesday (December 11) in Hollywood as celebrities at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala were celebrating their Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/screen-actors-guild-awards-2020-see-the-complete-nominations-list-267795">See the complete list here.</a>

Charlize Theron, who produced and acts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bombshell-margot-robbie-charlize-therons-film-probes-sexual-harassments-gray-spaces-267814">'Bombshell</a>', was not only individually nominated alongside her co-stars Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, but the entire cast was nominated for Best Ensemble - SAG's equivalent of Best Picture.

She told Reuters "It's really deep in my heart because this film really is an ensemble and so getting to celebrate everybody for me is most important. As a producer, that's why this movie is here today, because of everybody."

SAG AFTRA's president Gabrielle Carteris did double duty leaving the nominations to attend the event honouring women.

"I think what the nominations said was, as a community, we want to hear good stories. We want to hear diverse, good stories, we want to see ourselves reflected on screen and I think that we're seeing that our industry can be successful without being vanilla, that actually our power comes in our ability to reach out and tell all stories," Carteris said.

Reese Witherspoon's production 'Big Little Lies' was up for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, but that wasn't her only celebration on Wednesday. At the event, she was receiving the Sherry Lansing Leadership award for being a pioneer in the industry.

Witherspoon has, in recent years, become a successful producer in Hollywood with films 'Wild'&nbsp;and 'Gone Girl'&nbsp;and television shows 'Big Little Lies'&nbsp;and 'The Morning Show'. She has also been proactive in the #metoo and Time's Up movement.

She told Reuters "We're seeing a shift in how many women are hired behind the scenes and how much more diversity and inclusion there is on screen, which is so important but this is just the beginning. With any movement, you have to just keep talking, keep gathering, keep meeting with each other, keep collaborating, and we really do support each other. There are so many women I'm seeing here today who are my dear friends on and off camera, always DM-ing each other and saying 'You're doing amazing!' so it's really important to have that support system."

Ronan Farrow, whose investigative journalism broke the Harvey Weinstein story creating an outpouring of allegations by women in Hollywood, was honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award, which was presented to him by Gretchen Carlson. He&nbsp;sued former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment a year before the Weinstein allegations came out.

"It's paramount that men are included in this conversation," said Witherspoon, adding "This isn't about creating a matriarchy, this is about gender balance finally in this world and I think it's a 50-50 population for a reason. We need men to take up these causes and really demand diversity and inclusion in their movies and to work with more female directors and writers and I think we're seeing that happen, we definitely are."

Theron said, "I think men are just as emotionally distraught by all of these issues because it doesn't just affect women, for them it affects their daughters, their sisters, their mothers, this is about all of us, right? We don't want any of this stuff to happen to anybody in our family and so I know so many men that don't want this just as much as women don't and we need to be together in this fight. Yeah. It's just the right thing to do."

It was a morning of celebration on Wednesday (December 11) in Hollywood as celebrities at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala were celebrating their Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations.

It was a morning of celebration on Wednesday (December 11) in Hollywood as celebrities at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala were celebrating their Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations. See the complete list here. Charlize Theron, who produced and acts in 'Bombshell', was not only individually nominated alongside her co-stars Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, but the entire cast was nominated for Best Ensemble - SAG's equivalent of Best Picture. She told Reuters "It's really deep in my heart because this film really is an ensemble and so getting to celebrate everybody for me is most important. As a producer, that's why this movie is here today, because of everybody." SAG AFTRA's president Gabrielle Carteris did double duty leaving the nominations to attend the event honouring women. "I think what the nominations said was, as a community, we want to hear good stories. We want to hear diverse, good stories, we want to see ourselves reflected on screen and I think that we're seeing that our industry can be successful without being vanilla, that actually our power comes in our ability to reach out and tell all stories," Carteris said. Reese Witherspoon's production 'Big Little Lies' was up for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, but that wasn't her only celebration on Wednesday. At the event, she was receiving the Sherry Lansing Leadership award for being a pioneer in the industry. Witherspoon has, in recent years, become a successful producer in Hollywood with films 'Wild' and 'Gone Girl' and television shows 'Big Little Lies' and 'The Morning Show'. She has also been proactive in the #metoo and Time's Up movement. She told Reuters "We're seeing a shift in how many women are hired behind the scenes and how much more diversity and inclusion there is on screen, which is so important but this is just the beginning. With any movement, you have to just keep talking, keep gathering, keep meeting with each other, keep collaborating, and we really do support each other. There are so many women I'm seeing here today who are my dear friends on and off camera, always DM-ing each other and saying 'You're doing amazing!' so it's really important to have that support system." Ronan Farrow, whose investigative journalism broke the Harvey Weinstein story creating an outpouring of allegations by women in Hollywood, was honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award, which was presented to him by Gretchen Carlson. He sued former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment a year before the Weinstein allegations came out. "It's paramount that men are included in this conversation," said Witherspoon, adding "This isn't about creating a matriarchy, this is about gender balance finally in this world and I think it's a 50-50 population for a reason. We need men to take up these causes and really demand diversity and inclusion in their movies and to work with more female directors and writers and I think we're seeing that happen, we definitely are." Theron said, "I think men are just as emotionally distraught by all of these issues because it doesn't just affect women, for them it affects their daughters, their sisters, their mothers, this is about all of us, right? We don't want any of this stuff to happen to anybody in our family and so I know so many men that don't want this just as much as women don't and we need to be together in this fight. Yeah. It's just the right thing to do."

Ronan Farrow honored at Hollywood women event for Harvey Weinstein investigative story