Harvey Weinstein - Let's Call it Like it is

The New York Times broke a story about Harvey Weinstein and his decades of sexual misconduct at work.

Here is what Forbes had to say about the scandal.

The Weinstein company board released a statement Sunday, which read in part:

"In light of new information about misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days, the directors of The Weinstein Company have determined, and have informed Harvey Weinstein, that his employment with The Weinstein Company is terminated, effective immediately," [underlining my own]

What was this 'new information?' well, for one thing it was in fact quite old information, allegedly newly discovered. More than a decade ago Weinstein is alleged to have masturbated in front of a female reporter. If this were an isolated incident it would be denied, and most likely privately settled.

But it is not isolated, and that is kind of the point.

Weinstein is alleged to have reached settlements in a host of other allegations at least a portion of which is said to be documented within his companies: Miramax and the Weinstein Company.
The Board knew. Right now it is scrambling to control the fallout, part of which is masquerading as champions of gender equality. Their strategy appears to include pretending it was the new information that prompted Weinstein's firing. In fact, such misconduct was well documented over the years and known to the controlling minds within the company.

Weinstein was fired due to bad press, not the board of the company caring about gender rights in the workplace.

If this were in Canada, I would proudly represent any survivors of Weinstein's workplace misconduct.
If Mr. Weinstein were to call me with this high-profile case which could boost my profile, I would tell him he was fired for just cause and I cannot help him.

People should take sexual harassment in the workplace more seriously. Most particularly my comment is aimed at politicians and adjudicative bodies, but all members of the public should heed my words if we truly want to foster harmonious and respectful working environments in this country. I do, and I will happily tilt at this windmill now and in the future.

Weinsteins of British Columbia be warned.