Kate Beckinsale joins list of Harvey Weinstein's accusers

Updated

Kate Beckinsale is the latest high-profile star to alleged she was sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein.

The English actress accused the film producer of propositioning her as a 17-year-old and believes her refusal affected her career.

Writing on her Instagram page, the mother-of-one said: "I was incredibly naive and young, and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him.

London Evening Standard British Film Awards - Inside Ceremony
London Evening Standard British Film Awards - Inside Ceremony

"After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning, I left, uneasy but unscathed.

"A few years later he asked me if he had tried anything with me in that first meeting. I realised he couldn't remember if he had assaulted me or not."

Beckinsale starred in several films produced by The Weinstein Co., but said Weinstein made several advances to her over the years, claiming he verbally abused her when she refused.

She added: "It speaks to the status quo in this business that I was aware that standing up for myself and saying no to things, while it did allow me to feel uncompromised in myself, undoubtedly harmed my career and was never something I felt supported by anyone other than my family."

Beckinsale joins a list of famous women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Rose McGowan, Angelina Jolie and Asia Argento who have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault.

Weinstein has apologised for his behaviour, but vehemently denies he sexually assaulted anyone.

The film producer has since been fired from the company he founded, while his wife Georgina Chapman has left him.

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