‘Harvey Weinstein is giving sex addicts a bad name’

A psychotherapist has slammed suggestions that disgraced Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is a sex addict – and said it does a ‘disservice’ to those who are struggling with the problem.

Paula Hall appeared on This Morning to discuss the stream of allegations against Weinstein made by at least 30 high-profile women in the film industry, who have accused the Miramax co-founder variously of rape, groping and sexual harassment.

It has most recently been reported that Weinstein was to Arizona rehab clinic The Meadows, which offers a focused 45-day inpatient program for sex addiction and related behavioural issues.

But Ms Hall said she was unhappy about the 65-year-old using sex addiction to justify and ‘excuse [his] behaviour’.

Also appearing alongside the psychotherapist was a recovering sex addict, Colin Chapman, who told how his ‘dirty secret’ ultimately destroyed his marriage.  

Recovering sex addict Colin Chapman spoke about his own journey and how his addiction ruined his marriage

Paula explained to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, in reference to the still-growing scandal surrounding Weinstein: ‘The vast amount of people with sex addiction are not accused of these things – this behaviour can not be excused by sex addiction. 

‘He may be a sex addict, he may not, we do not know that, it’s up to the experts in Arizona to decide that. But even if that is the case it does not make it ok.’ 

Harvey Weinstein, 65, has been accused of sexual harassment by a number of actresses

Phillip asked whether using the term helped to put an ‘acceptable label’ on the scandal, despite the plethora of allegations against Weinstein. 

‘Potentially it does, it is a common misunderstanding that it excuses behaviour and it means you’re not actually in control of what you do,’ said Paula. 

‘But of course ultimately you do control what you do, it is up to you to make the decisions of what is right and what is wrong. People with addiction may struggle more but ultimately is their responsibility.’

‘It does such a disservice to the thousands of people out there that are struggling with sex and porn addiction to have this kind of person talking about it, because it leaves the rest of population thinking, well, this is what a sex addict is like.’

Colin, a 48-year-old construction worker, also opened up about how his own sex addiction ruined his marriage, and said his problems stemmed from being bullied as a child.

The discussion comes after the sex scandal that has rocked Hollywood after movie mogul Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment

‘Sexual addiction is very closeted and inward and private. You go behind closed doors,’ he said,

‘For me it was a dirty secret, it made me feel shameful, weak and embarrassed.’

Paula claimed that a ‘tiny percentage’ of people who are sex addicts go on to be accused of sexual assault or abuse.

She said: ‘The reality is there may be people with sex addiction who do offend. But of course there are lots of sex offenders who aren’t sex addicts.

‘This may be a predatory man who is doing this for reasons of power and because of his celebrity status or he may be a sex addict or he may be both of course.’ 

HARVEY WEINSTEIN SEX SCANDAL

Weinstein’s wife Georgina Chapman announced she is leaving him following the scandal

Over 30 women have come forward at this time claiming they were victims of Harvey Weinstein’s harassment and assault, with the alleged offenses he is accused of committing ranging from aggressive demands for massages to rape. 

The American film producer, 65, has been accused of sexual harassment by a number of actresses, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd, as well as assault and rape by three actresses including, indirectly, Rosie McGowan. 

Weinstein has admitted to some but not all of the allegations made against him. He has ‘unequivocally denied’ any allegations of non-consensual sex. 

The disgraced movie mogul was fired from his company on Sunday and on Tuesday his wife announced she is leaving him.

Reports reveal that Weinstein’s wife, Georgina Chapman, has now left him in the wake of the claims against him, with the star claiming he had ‘encouraged’ his love to ‘follow her heart’. 

Meanwhile, stars of the movie industry have shared their thoughts on the disgraced director, with many condemning Weinstein for his actions. 

 This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am