Harvey Weinstein believes he will be forgiven, says Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan says Weinstein "is fighting" following an interview with the ex-producer at a clinic where he is receiving treatment.
Sunday 29 April 2018 14:23, UK
Harvey Weinstein believes he will eventually be forgiven by Hollywood, Piers Morgan has claimed.
The disgraced Hollywood producer has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape, spanning several decades.
The 66-year-old, who is being investigated by police in London, New York and Los Angeles, denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
Morgan told GQ magazine he had spoken to Weinstein at a clinic in Arizona, where he is seeking treatment for sex addiction.
He said: "I've spoken to Harvey in the clinic in Arizona, for about an hour. He's fighting.
"He's a fascinating character. The apocalyptic symptom of the whole thing - the casting couch finally brought to judgement.
"I can't express the same level of shock as some people in Hollywood. Listen, this has been the system since Hollywood existed.
"It's been a moral cesspit since the Twenties, and the idea that Harvey Weinstein is the only villain? Do me a favour.
"Look at Mel Gibson: ultimately Harvey believes he will be forgiven."
Gibson sparked controversy with his anti-Semitic rant following a drink-driving arrest in 2006 but has been welcomed back to Hollywood in recent years, with a best director nomination for his film Hacksaw Ridge in 2017.
Weinstein confirmed that he had spoken to Morgan but that the conversation had taken place in 2017 and that they did not talk about "business or Hollywood".
In a statement, he said: "I have immense respect for Piers Morgan and appreciate him. During our conversation, which was back in 2017, the only thought I conveyed was that my focus now and in the future is on my family.
"I did not talk about business or Hollywood. My priority is my family."
:: The full interview will appear in the June issue of GQ.