Judi Dench: Harvey Weinstein Has Served His Sentence After Conviction
Judi Dench has recently shared her thoughts on Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein, highlighting their significance in her life and career. Both actors have gained notoriety due to the allegations stemming from the #MeToo movement.
Kevin Spacey’s Legal Battles and Friendship with Dench
Dench worked with Kevin Spacey in the 2001 film, *The Shipping News*. The two maintained a friendship, especially after Dench lost her husband, Michael Williams, that same year. In a recent interview with The Radio Times, she mentioned, “Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text.”
Spacey faced serious accusations but was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a UK trial in 2023. He was also found not liable in a civil case in New York in 2022. However, he is preparing to address more allegations in a civil court in London next year.
Harvey Weinstein: Convicted and Serving Time
On the other hand, Harvey Weinstein is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in Los Angeles in 2023. Weinstein’s former company, Miramax, collaborated on several films featuring Dench, including:
- *Mrs. Brown* (1997)
- *Shakespeare in Love* (1998)
- *Philomena* (2013)
Dench remarked on Weinstein’s current condition, noting she saw him appearing frail while using two walking sticks. She stated, “I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience — very fortunately for me.”
Dench’s Empathy and Thoughts on Forgiveness
Regarding Weinstein’s situation, Dench expressed empathy for his victims while contemplating personal forgiveness. She stated, “I imagine he’s done his time… it’s personal — forgiveness.” In the past, she has labeled the allegations against Weinstein as “horrifying.”
Weinstein’s Response to Dench
In response to Dench’s comments, Weinstein released a statement through his representative. He expressed appreciation for Dench, calling her “an extraordinary person” who had a significant impact on his career. Weinstein also reflected on his incarceration, saying, “I’ve now spent more than six and a half years incarcerated, including a year and a half in Rikers, which counts as double time.”
Furthermore, he asserted, “I am here for something I did not do, and many of the claims that have been written about me are gradually being shown to be untrue or unsupported.” Weinstein concluded by expressing a desire to reunite with his family.
