Jackson says ‘bully’ Weinstein smeared actresses

Peter Jackson (photo by Gage Skidmore/ Flickr)
Peter Jackson (photo by Gage Skidmore/ Flickr)
Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson on Friday accused Harvey Weinstein of orchestrating a smear campaign decades ago against actresses who have since come forward to accuse the disgraced producer of sexual harassment.

Jackson worked with Weinstein and his brother Bob early in the development of “The Lord of the Rings”, saying the pair acted like “second-rate Mafia bullies.”

Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson on Friday accused Harvey Weinstein of orchestrating a smear campaign decades ago against actresses who have since come forward to accuse the disgraced producer of sexual harassment.

Jackson worked with Weinstein and his brother Bob early in the development of “The Lord of the Rings”, saying the pair acted like “second-rate Mafia bullies.”

“I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998,” he told Fairfax New Zealand.

“At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us — but in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing.

“I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women — and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list.”

In an emotional tweet Sorvino said “just seeing this after I awoke, I burst out crying.”

“There it is, confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure,” she said. “Thank you Peter Jackson for being honest. I’m just heartsick.”

Judd also reacted to the news, tweeting simply: “I remember this well.”

Miramax pulled out of “Lord of the Rings”, which was taken over by New Line and released as a trilogy that went on to be a critical and commercial success, snaring multiple Academy Awards.

“My experience, when Miramax controlled the ‘Lord of the Rings’, was of Weinstein and his brother behaving like second-rate Mafia bullies,” said Jackson.

“They weren’t the type of guys I wanted to work with — so I haven’t. Movie-making is much more fun when you work with nice people.”

While Weinstein has denied allegations of non-consensual sex, the scandal has rocked Hollywood and led to accusations against numerous other powerful figures in the media and entertainment industries. (AFP)