Harvey Weinstein was attacked at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Tuesday, January 9, according to a video obtained by TMZ.
The website reported that the 65-year-old was having dinner with his sober coach at Elements restaurant at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort when he was approached by a fellow diner named Steve. The man reportedly told Weinstein that he loved his movies and asked to take a photo with him, but the film producer declined. The manager of Elements told TMZ that Weinstein shook hands with Steve, who then returned to his table.
The Oscar winner and his sober coach finished dinner around 9 p.m., the same time that Steve and his male friend were leaving the restaurant. Steve told the site that he had “quite a bit to drink” and asked his companion to start recording a video on his cellphone. Steve said he then walked up to Weinstein and said, “You’re a piece of s–t for what you did to these women,” referring to the mounting sexual harassment and assault allegations that have been made against the star in recent months.
Steve told TMZ that he then “punched” Weinstein twice in the face, causing the former executive to stumble and almost fall backward. However, the restaurant’s manager countered that neither of Steve’s hits — which appear in the video to be backhanded slaps on the cheek — connected with Weinstein. Steve’s friend reportedly asked Weinstein if he wanted to call the police, but he declined and left.
Us Weekly has reached out to Elements for comment.
The Miramax Films cofounder was first accused of misconduct in October 2017 after The New York Times published an exposé detailing nearly three decades of alleged sexual harassment. More than 80 women, including actresses Rose McGowan and Gwyneth Paltrow, have since come forward with additional claims of sexual harassment and assault. Criminal investigations into complaints are ongoing in cities including New York City, London and Los Angeles. Weinstein, who entered rehab in Arizona in October, has denied any allegations of non-consensual sex.
