Obamas 'disgusted' by Weinstein revelations: Statement

WASHINGTON: Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle on Tuesday said they were "disgusted" by the growing allegations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, a longtime Democratic Party donor.
"Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein. Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status," they said in a statement.
"We should celebrate the courage of women who have come forward to tell these painful stories. And we all need to build a culture – including by empowering our girls and teaching our boys decency and respect – so we can make such behavior less prevalent in the future."
Former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton declared herself "shocked" by the escalating allegations.
"I was shocked and appalled by the revelations about Harvey Weinstein," she said in a statement.
"The behavior described by women coming forward can not be tolerated," she added. "Their courage and the support of others is critical in helping to stop this kind of behavior."
Her statement comes five days after The New York Times published a bombshell investigative report accusing Weinstein, 65, of sexual harassment over several decades.
On Tuesday, Weinstein faced new charges of rape by the Italian actress Asia Argento and two other women, in an explosive expose published in the New Yorker magazine.
Clinton made no mention of the money, apparently topping US$1 million (RM4 milion), that Weinstein had bundled and raised for her campaign last year.
On June 20, 2016, the Democratic nominee attended a fundraiser at Weinstein's New York home where about 60 attendees each paid US$33,400 or more to attend.
Several elected Democrats have returned Weinstein financial contributions or donated them to charity. — AFP