Mike Blake/Reuters
The New York Times on Thursday dropped its report detailing how Hollywood mega-producer Harvey Weinstein has reached settlements with at least eight women over three decades over allegations of sexual harassment. “Among the recipients, The Times found, were a young assistant in New York in 1990, an actress in 1997, an assistant in London in 1998, an Italian model in 2015 and [former employee] Ms. [Lauren] O’Connor shortly after, according to records and those familiar with the agreements,” the paper reported. Weinstein himself commented: “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.” Star actress Ashley Judd went on-record for the piece to reveal how, two decades ago when she was a young up-and-comer, she was subject to uncomfortable sexual advances by Weinstein in a hotel room. “How do I get out of the room as fast as possible without alienating Harvey Weinstein?” Judd recalled thinking. In a statement following the Times report, Weinstein announced that he will take a leave of absence from his production company and focus his “full attention” on taking on President Trump and the National Rifle Association.