Matt Damon Addresses Claims He Was Responsible For Harvey Weinstein New York Times Story Being 'Gutted'

'I never saw this behaviour... and I'm sorry, because I would have stopped it.'
|

Matt Damon has spoken out after it was claimed he’d been involved in killing a 2004 story about Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual abuse.

Earlier this week, journalist Sharon Waxman penned a story on The Wrap, claiming that more than a decade ago, she was working on a story for the New York Times similar to the one published last week, detailing the accusations of sexual harassment levelled against Weinstein.

The story in question reported Fabrizio Lombardo - then-chief of Miramax Italy, was unqualified for his job - and his position was more about “procuring women” for Weinstein than anything more professional.

Sharon went on to claim that all traces of sexual misconduct were “gutted” from the story, following phone calls from Matt Damon and Russell Crowe, at the behest of Weinstein.

Open Image Modal
Matt Damon
George Pimentel via Getty Images

Speaking to Deadline, Matt has now shared his side of the story, explaining: My recollection was that it was about a one minute phone call.

Open Image Modal
Harvey Weinstein
Paul Bruinooge via Getty Images

Matt went on to condemn the actions of Weinstein, insisting he had no knowledge of any sexual misconduct, stating: “Before I was famous, I didn’t abide this kind of behavior. But now, as the father of four daughters, this is the kind of sexual predation that keeps me up at night.

The ‘Martian’ actor is just one of a number of A-list stars to have worked with Harvey in the past who have now spoken out against him, including Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lawrence and George Clooney.

Weinstein has faced a string of sexual assault and sexual harassment accusations, but has “unequivocally denied” any allegations of non-consensual relationships.