Former US president Obama weighs in on Hollywood mogul sex scandal

October 11, 2017 09:50

Former US president Barack Obama issued a statement about the sexual assault scandal swirling around Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein -- five days after it first became global news.

He condemned Weinstein on behalf of himself and former first lady Michelle Obama, but made no mention of the internship his teen daughter Malia took with the Weinstein Company this year when she was 18.

The former president also made no mention of whether he will return the $680,000 that Weinstein raised for his 2012 re-election campaign, or the millions he collected during $32,400-per plate fundraising dinners at his New York and California homes.

"Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein," Obama said in a statement.

"Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status."

Meanwhile, Weinstein's wife Georgina Chapman has said she has decided to leave the media mogul. The 41-year-old actor-designer said she is heartbroken for the women who have suffered at the hands of her husband.

"My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions. I have chosen to leave my husband."

Image: Aishwarya Rai with movie mogul Harvey Weinstein during the 2005'sat Time magazine's 100 most influential people dinner. Photograph: Jeff Christensen JC/Reuters

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