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Oliver Stone Takes Back His Defense of Harvey Weinstein, Says He Didn’t Know the Full Story

Oliver Stone. Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images

While many Hollywood notables have come out with strong words against Harvey Weinstein following the numerous sexual-harassment and rape accusations that have been made against the mogul, director Oliver Stone was not among those publicly denouncing him. When asked about Weinstein’s conduct at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, Stone responded with a measure of sympathy for the mogul. “It’s not easy what [Weinstein]’s going through,” Stone said, according to Variety. His full response:

“I’m a believer that you wait until this thing gets to trial. I believe a man shouldn’t be condemned by a vigilante system. It’s not easy what he’s going through either. He was a rival and I never did business with him. I’ve heard horror stories on everyone in the business. So, I’m not going to comment on that. I’ll wait and see, which is the right thing to do.”

Update, October 13, 2017, at 9:45 a.m.: Stone has clarified his initial remarks about Harvey Weinstein, and announced that he has cut his ties with the Weinstein Company for an upcoming project. “I’ve been traveling for the last couple of days and wasn’t aware of all the women who came out to support the original story in the New York Times,” Stone said in a statement to Variety. “After looking at what has been reported in many publications over the last couple of days, I’m appalled and commend the courage of the women who’ve stepped forward to report sexual abuse or rape.”

Oliver Stone Takes Back Harvey Weinstein Defense