Harvey Weinstein apologises for citing Streep, Lawrence in legal defence

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has apologised for using statements by stars Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence in an effort to seek dismissal of a sexual misconduct lawsuit against him.

"Even though Mr. Weinstein has worked with hundreds of actresses and actors who had only professional and mutually respectful experiences with him, Mr. Weinstein has directed in the future that no specific names be used by his counsel. Even where those actors have made previous public statements about him," theguardian.com quoted a spokeswoman for Weinstein as saying.

She added: "Mr. Weinstein acknowledges the valuable input both Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence have contributed to this conversation and apologises.

"Once again, moving forward, Mr. Weinstein has advised his counsel to not include specific names of former associates; and to avoid whenever possible, even if they are in the public record."

Six women are suing Weinstein and what they call the "Weinstein Sexual Enterprise", which they say includes his brother Bob and their co-founded studio The Weinstein Company, claiming they conspired to conceal Weinstein's widespread alleged sexual harassment.

Lawyers for the Hollywood mogul filed a motion to dismiss the suit on Tuesday, arguing that it was "fatally overboard".

Both Streep and Lawrence have spoken out against the motion filed by Weinstein's lawyers.

In response to the motion, Lawrence described Weinstein as a "predator", reports theguardian.com.

"For the record, while I was not victimised personally by Harvey Weinstein, I stand behind the women who have survived his terrible abuse and I applaud them in using all means necessary to bring him to justice whether through criminal or civil actions. Time's up," she said.

Her comment follows Streep firing back at Weinstein, who said the action was "pathetic and exploitative" after his lawyers cited her saying she was never harassed by the producer in an attempt to shut the case down.