Harvey Weinstein not the 'exception' in Hollywood, lawyer claims
Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein is not the “exception” in Hollywood, according to Gloria Allred, a high-profile Los Angeles lawyer.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Allred, who has represented accusers of Bill Cosby, said she has won deals for “many” women against “high profile” men, but those victories are keep quiet by non-disclosure agreements.
The lawyer is representing former actress Heather Kerr, 56, who has accused Weinstein of forcing her to touch his genitals during a 1989 meeting.
Kerr said Weinstein told her she would have to sleep with him to get ahead in Hollywood. She gave up her career shortly afterwards.
"He's not the exception, I can assure you of that because I've represented many women in Hollywood against high-profile figures," Allred said.
"There have been many, many confidential settlements and that's the reason you don't hear more about this.
"I can say to an absolute certainty that it is widespread."
Allred’s daughter, Lisa Bloom, was Weinstein's adviser before she stepped down.
On Wednesday, LAPD interviewed an Italian actress who claimed she was raped by Weinstein at a hotel near Beverly Hills in 2013.
Police in New York and in the UK are already investigating allegations against the producer.
Weinstein, who has "unequivocally denied" allegations of non-consensual sex, was fired from his position at The Weinstein Company earlier this month.