In a statement, a group of Weinstein Company staffers have asked to be released from non-disclosure agreements after multiple women came forward to allege Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault.
Weinstein has since been fired from his company. The staffers insist that while they knew about Weinstein's philandering nature, they did not witness any direct sexual assault, reported Variety.
It has been widely reported that Weinstein often used his assistants to lure unsuspecting struggling actresses to his room on the pretext of discussing a project but the staffers deny any knowledge of his alleged predatory nature.
"We all knew that we were working for a man with an infamous temper. We did not know we were working for a serial sexual predator. We knew that our boss could be manipulative.
"We did not know that he used his power to systematically assault and silence women. We had an idea that he was a womaniser who had extra-marital affairs. We did not know he was a violent aggressor and alleged rapist," they said in a statement to the New Yorker.
The staffers said they wanted to be allowed to participate in the dialogue about Weinstein's alleged misbehaviour and abuse but were prevented by the non- disclosure agreements.
"We have nothing to hide, and are as angry and baffled as you are at how Harvey's behavior could continue for so long. We ask that the company let us out of our NDAs immediately
and do the same for all former Weinstein Company employees
so we may speak openly, and get to the origins of what happened here, and how."
The staffers said they came to the company because of their love for movies and associated Weinstein's name with great storytelling, not realising that he was a monster.
"Our company was built on Harvey's unbridled ambition
his aggressive deal making, his insatiable desire to win and get what he wanted, his unabashed love for celebrity these traits were legendary, and the art they produced made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
"But we now know that behind closed doors, these were the same traits that made him a monster. He created a toxic ecosystem where his abuse could flourish unchecked for decades."
The staffers said that while the statement was an open breach of the non-disclosure agreements that they signed for the company, they felt safe to speak out as their former boss has already violated his contract to create a safe place for them to work.
"We unequivocally support all the women who have come forward, many of whom we count among our own friends and colleagues. Thank you for speaking out.
"And while we can only speak for the people represented in this statement, none of us ever knowingly acted as a so- called 'honeypot'. That is disgusting and renders us all victims of Harvey's disgraceful behavior."
The statement also blamed the Board for not keeping a check on Weinstein. The staffers said "threatening, hostile, inhumane work environments are rampant" in the industry and NDAs only perpetuate this culture of silence.
"Harvey Weinstein is far from the only sociopathic bully we've exalted over the years. Employees who work under our industry's most notorious bosses are regularly asked to surrender
their dignity in exchange for professional success.
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