Attorney Lisa Bloom says she is no longer representing movie mogul Harvey Weinstein as he confronts sexual harassment allegations.
Bloom posted on Twitter that she has resigned as an adviser to Weinstein.
Bloom wrote: ‘I have resigned as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein. My understanding is that Mr. Weinstein and his board are moving toward an agreement’
She did not immediately respond to an email request for further comment.
Lisa Bloom, Harvey Weinstein’s attorney, announced via Twitter on Saturday that she will no longer be representing him
Weinstein has been hit with a number of sexual harassment and assault allegations since the New York Times published a report detailing decades of his activity
Bloom’s mother, civil rights and celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred, criticized her daughter for representing Weinstein. Bloom said in a statement released Thursday: ‘I would consider representing anyone who accused Mr. Weinstein of sexual harassment, even if it meant that my daughter was the opposing counsel’
Bloom wrote: ‘I have resigned as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein. My understanding is that Mr. Weinstein and his board are moving toward an agreement’
She previously has represented victims of sexual harassment and assault and her work with Weinstein drew fierce criticism online.
Charles Harder, another attorney representing Weinstein, didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
The allegations of sexual misconduct against Weinstein were detailed in a report this week by The New York Times.
Weinstein is on indefinite leave from the company he co-founded while it conducts an investigation into the allegations.
Weinstein is pictured emerging from his West Village, New York City apartment Friday morning amid the numerous allegations of sexual assault lodged against him
Litigator to the stars Gloria Allred criticized her daughter, Lisa Bloom, for representing Weinstein.
Allred, known for taking high-profile and often controversial cases, released a statement Thursday saying that her daughter is protecting the wrong side.
‘Had I been asked by Mr. Weinstein to represent him, I would have declined, because I do not represent individuals accused of sex harassment,’ Allred said.
‘I only represent those who allege that they are victims of sexual harassment,’ she added.
‘While I would not represent Mr. Weinstein, I would consider representing anyone who accused Mr. Weinstein of sexual harassment, even if it meant that my daughter was the opposing counsel,’ she said.
Earlier on Thursday, Bloom released her own statement.
‘As a women’s rights advocate, I have been blunt with Harvey and he has listened to me,’ she said.
‘I have told him that times have changed, it is 2017, and he needs to evolve to a higher standard. I have found Harvey to be refreshingly candid and receptive to my message. He has acknowledged mistakes he has made.
‘He is reading books and going to therapy. He is an old dinosaur learning new ways,’ she added.
Lisa Bloom’s Full Statement from Thursday, October 5
‘Harvey Weinstein and I have had many wide ranging conversations over the last year about rumors and allegations against him. He denies many of the accusations as patently false. Nevertheless, I have explained to him that due to the power difference between a major studio head like him and most others in the industry, whatever his motives, some of his words and behaviors can be perceived as inappropriate, even intimidating.
As a women’s rights advocate, I have been blunt with Harvey and he has listened to me. I have told him that times have changed, it is 2017, and he needs to evolve to a higher standard. I have found Harvey to be refreshingly candid and receptive to my message. He has acknowledged mistakes he has made. He is reading books and going to therapy. He is an old dinosaur learning new ways. He wants to reach out to any of the women who may have issues with him to talk to them in a respectful, peaceful way, with me present if that is acceptable to them. He has been working on a major foundation with USC with one of the largest grants for female directors, which started well over a year ago. And as we work together on a project bringing my book to the screen, he has always been respectful toward me.
He is deeply bothered by his some of his emotional responses. He has been working on his temper for over ten years and is chagrined the issue still plagues him. He recognizes he needs time off to focus on this issue and has much to learn. He wants to reach out to teachers with expertise in this area.
Harvey is not going to demean or attack any of the women making accusations against him, although he does dispute many of the allegations. Instead, he is going to use this as a painful learning experience to grow into a better man. I will continue to work with him personally for as long as it takes.
In addition, Harvey has asked me to do a comprehensive review of his company’s policies and practices regarding women in the workplace. I will make recommendations to ensure that gender equality and zero tolerance for workplace misconduct aren’t just goals, but a reality.’
Harvey Weinstein quotes Jay Z in Lengthy Response to Assault Allegations
I came of age in the 60’s and 70’s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different. That was the culture then.
I have since learned it’s not an excuse, in the office – or out of it. To anyone.
I realized some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed.
I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it.
Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go. That is my commitment.
My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons. 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.
I hope that my actions will speak louder than words and that one day we will all be able to earn their trust and sit down together with Lisa to learn more. Jay Z wrote in 4:44 ‘I’m not the man I thought I was and I better be that man for my children.’ The same is true for me.
I want a second chance in the community but I know I’ve got work to do to earn it. I have goals that are now priorities. Trust me, this isn’t an overnight process.
I’ve been trying to do this for 10 years and this is a wake-up call. I cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt and I plan to do right by all of them.
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.
