Harvey Weinstein has joined an ever-growing list of men who apparently find it impossible to keep their hands off of women. Bill Cosby, Bill Clinton, Roger Ailes and Donald Trump are just a few of the many other powerful men who seem oblivious to what is and is not appropriate behavior.
Now I understand we are all innocent until proven guilty, but in the case of Weinstein, the fact that he was fired from his own company, and has even apologized for his behavior, seem to indicate he has done much of what he has been accused of doing. The announcement that he is going to a facility to deal with his sexual behavior might also be a sign that his accusers know whereof they speak.
Since the first few accusers have stepped forward, the floodgates have opened. At this rate, a phone bank will need to be installed to process all the new cases of sexual deviance being reported.
A few days ago, Weinstein issued one of the weirdest apologies I have ever read. I don’t know whether he used a lawyer or a public relations person to write it, but if he did, he might want to consider hiring other people.
He starts by saying, “I came of age in the ’60s and ’70s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different. That was the culture then.” Well, sorry Mr. Weinstein, but I came of age then also, and I don’t remember when this kind of behavior was ever acceptable. When I went to college there was no course called “Groping 101.” Let’s get real Harvey—if you are truly repentant, blame yourself, not your generation.
Weinstein goes on to say, “Over the last year, I’ve asked Lisa Bloom to tutor me, and she’s put together a team of people. I’ve brought on therapists, and I plan to take a leave of absence from my company and to deal with this issue head on. I so respect all women, and regret what happened.”
Harvey, you really shouldn’t need a tutor to teach you to behave like an adult, nor do you need a team of people. If you so respect all women and regret what happened, then keep your hands to yourself. Actually, better yet, keep your hands out where people can see them at all times.
You might think I have quoted the worst portions of his mea culpa, but not even close. Weinstein closes with the following:
“I am going to need a place to channel that anger, so I’ve decided that I’m going to give the NRA my full attention. I hope Wayne LaPierre will enjoy his retirement party. I’m going to do it at the same place I had my Bar Mitzvah. I’m making a movie about our President, perhaps we can make it a joint retirement party. One year ago, I began organizing a $5 million foundation to give scholarships to women directors at USC. While this might seem coincidental, it has been in the works for a year. It will be named after my mom, and I won’t disappoint her.”
Harvey, how in heaven’s name does the NRA get into your apology about your deviant behavior? And how do your Bar Mitzvah and your mother get into this statement? If you think by giving USC $5 million in honor of your mother you will somehow burnish your reputation and do her proud, think again. Just try acting like a human being not an animal. That’s all it takes.