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The backlash against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein continues, with various celebrities weighing in on the numerous sexual harassment allegations being levied against him.
Weinstein has already been removed from his producing company, The Weinstein Company, following the revelations, with a goal of changing the company name completely in the near future. Weinstein's name has also been taken out of the credits for his upcoming films and various television shows, like Project Runway. But a new exposé by The New Yorker claims that something could have been done about the abuse two years ago.
According to the article, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., received evidence in 2015 of Weinstein's predatory behavior, but didn't pursue charges.
Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, a former model and Miss Italy contestant, went to the NYPD after a meeting with Weinstein in March of 2015 in which he grabbed her breasts and put his hand up her skirt. The police advised Gutierrez to wear a wire to her meeting with Weinstein at his hotel the following day.
The New Yorker released some of the disturbing audio, in which Weinstein begs Gutierrez not to make a scene and "embarrass" him. It includes the following dialogue:
Weinstein: “Oh, please, I’m sorry, just come on in. I’m used to that. Come on. Please.”
Gutierrez: “You’re used to that?”
Weinstein: “Yes.”And later, Weinstein: “I won’t do it again.”
Weinstein also admits to groping Gutierrez, who is clearly uncomfortable in the recorded conversation.
Weinstein, in conversation with Gutierrez, admits to groping her. Here’s the audio: https://t.co/zSQbK5NV0c https://t.co/vmrrSUp43w— The New Yorker (@The New Yorker) 1507647299.0
After an investigation was opened, articles about Gutierrez's past suspiciously started appearing in the tabloids. Two weeks later, the D.A.'s office decided against pressing charges, releasing a statement saying, "This case was taken seriously from the outset, with a thorough investigation conducted by our Sex Crimes Unit. After analyzing the available evidence, including multiple interviews with both parties, a criminal charge is not supported."
But a source within the NYPD claims that they did have sufficient evidence, telling The New Yorker, "It’s a case that made me angrier than I thought possible, and I have been on the force a long time."
But Chief Assistant D.A. Karen Freedman Agnifilo said in a statement on Tuesday that the audio recording wasn't sufficient enough to press charges because it didn't establish criminal intent.
Vance shared Agnifilo's statement on Twitter:
Statement by Chief ADA Karen Friedman Agnifilo on allegations against Harvey Weinstein — https://t.co/4kLfEk60re— Cyrus Vance, Jr. (@Cyrus Vance, Jr.) 1507659738.0
Twitter was dubious, however:
@ManhattanDA Question: How much have you accepted from Trump and Weinstein in campaign contributions?— alapierre (@alapierre) 1507659989.0
@ManhattanDA Why didn’t you let a jury decide whether there was intent based on that recording? I bet we can find f… https://t.co/cX3FApLXrm— Mel (@Mel) 1507665715.0
@ManhattanDA Plus you got a donation from Weinstein. Kind of how Trump's lawyer gave you a $50K donation after you… https://t.co/1NAQdzeMg4— Portia (Resister) (@Portia (Resister)) 1507661179.0
Vance may find himself out of a job after the next election, if not before:
@ManhattanDA I sometimes don't vote in NY primaries - outcome is predetermined. I'm going to vote this time and sup… https://t.co/9A4Zy8UI3g— Kevin T. Keith (@Kevin T. Keith) 1507672232.0
@ManhattanDA Please resign.— Nohemi Chavez (@Nohemi Chavez) 1507662542.0
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H/T: The New Yorker, Huffington Post, Twitter