Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson has come forward to admit that alleged serial sexual assaulter Harvey Weinstein orchestrated a “smear campaign” to have actresses Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino blacklisted.
According to the “Lord of the Rings” director, Miramax studio, which was founded by Weinstein, dissuaded Jackson from hiring either of the two women, per Stuff News.
“I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs,” said Jackson.
“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,” added the director. “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.”
Both Sorvino and Judd reacted to the report via Twitter.
“There it is, confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure,” wrote Sorvino. “Thank you Peter Jackson for being honest. I’m just heartsick.”
Judd suggested she remembered the events outlined by Jackson. “I remember this well,” she wrote, quoting the news story about the alleged blacklisting.
As did Sorvino, Ms. Judd thanked Jackson for letting out the “truth.”
The award-winning actress spoke out about her encounters with Weinstein in October. Judd recalled being alone with Weinstein in a hotel room where she was sexually harassed. Feeling trapped and fearful, Judd said she offered to have sex with the producer after she won an Oscar to avoid rape.