Democrats Feel Heat To Return Weinstein Donations After Sex Harassment Bombshell
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Democrats are facing calls to return donations from Harvey Weinstein after a report on decades of sexual harassment by the famed Hollywood producer and big-time political check-writer.
“If the Democratic Party purports itself to be the champion of women, they ought to lead by example in returning or donating the donations received from Harvey Weinstein,” read a statement from the right-wing America Rising PAC.
So far, four Senate Democrats – including Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Martin Heinrich and Patrick Leahy – have pledged to donate the thousands they receive from Weinstein to charity. More could follow, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, who have received five and six figure donations from Weinstein.
Weinstein has been active in political causes, developing a close relationship with the Clintons as well as the Obama family – close daughter Malia Obama worked for his production company as an intern.
Weinstein has paid out at least eight settlements over sexual harassment allegations, according to the bombshell New York Times report.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at solomon@forward.com or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
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