Woody Allen and James Corden Come Under Fire For Harvey Weinstein Comments

Celebrities continue to make public statements about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, following revelations of his sexual misconduct. But not all comments have been helpful to victims who spoke out. 

Woody Allen is one public figure who has been criticized for his remarks on the scandal. In a recent interview with BBC News, Allen said, "The whole Harvey Weinstein thing is very sad for everybody involved. Tragic for the poor women that were involved, sad for Harvey that [his] life is so messed up. There's no winners in that, it's just very, very sad and tragic for those poor women that had to go through that."

Allen further remarked: “You also don’t want it to lead to a witch hunt atmosphere, a Salem atmosphere, where every guy in an office who winks at a woman is suddenly having to call a lawyer to defend himself. That’s not right either.”

Allen's remarks seemed to indicate sympathy for Weinstein, and the director has since issued a statement to Variety. "When I said I felt sad for Harvey Weinstein I thought it was clear the meaning was because he is a sad, sick man. I was surprised it was treated differently. Lest there be any ambiguity, this statement clarifies my intention and feelings," the statement read. 

James Corden was also moved to clarify his remarks regarding Weinstein. Corden hosted the celebrity-studded amFAR gala in Los Angeles on Friday night, and cracked jokes about the sensitive topic. To kick off the evening, the late-night talk show host said, “This is a beautiful room. It’s a beautiful night here in L.A. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage.”

He added, “It has been weird this week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath.”

The jokes went over like a lead balloon for the likes of Rose McGowan, who has been vocal about Weinstein's sexual misconduct. The actress took to Twitter for a series of angry posts, calling Corden a "piglet" for his insensitive remarks.

On Sunday, Corden used the platform to apologize. In a series of two tweets, the comedian wrote: "To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter. I was not trying to make light of Harvey’s inexcusable behavior, but to shame him, the abuser, not his victims. I am truly sorry for anyone offended, that was never my intention."

Kate Winslet also issued new remarks on Harvey Weinstein over the weekend. The Oscar winner picked up her statue in 2009 for her role in The Reader, which The Weinstein Company produced. Weinstein was not among the 19 people Winslet thanked in her acceptance speech, and the actress told The Los Angeles Times, "That was deliberate. That was absolutely deliberate. I remember being told. ‘Make sure you thank Harvey if you win.’ And I remember turning around and saying, ‘No I won’t. No I won’t.’ And it was nothing to do with not being grateful. If people aren’t well-behaved, why would I thank him?” 

Winslet added, "The fact that I’m never going to have to deal with Harvey Weinstein again as long as I live is one of the best things that’s ever happened and I'm sure the feeling is universal."