NYT stories on Weinstein to be turned into movie

World
Europe

The New York Times stories on accusations of sexual harassment and assault against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will be made into a film.

Brad Pitt's production house Plan B and Annapurna Pictures have acquired the rights to the film, The Times confirmed on Thursday. The story was first reported by specialized Hollywood news outlet Deadline.

The film will chronicle the work of Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey investigating Weinstein's alleged misconduct – stories that recently earned them a Pulitzer Prize, which they shared with Ronan Farrow of The New Yorker, and triggered the downfall of the producer of Oscar-winning films.

An effigy of film producer Harvey Weinstein is burned during a fireworks display at Edenbridge Bonfire Night on November 4, 2017, in Edenbridge, England. Each year the Edenbridge Bonfire Society creates a 'Celebrity Guy' effigy of an infamous public figure which is burnt during the annual bonfire night celebrations. /Getty Images /VCG Photo

Producers are looking to Oscar-winning films "Spotlight" and "All the President's Men" as their models for the movie, which will focus not on Weinstein's litany of alleged misdeeds but on the journalists and the obstacles they faced while reporting.

Since the Times and New Yorker articles last October, more than 100 women have publicly accused Weinstein of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, sparking the #MeToo movement that has seen a string of influential men lose their jobs and reputation.

Weinstein's marriage has ended; he has been under police investigation in London, Los Angeles and New York; he is facing a series of civil lawsuits; and his former production company has been forced to file for bankruptcy.

When the news first broke in the Times, Weinstein himself told The Hollywood Reporter: "The story sounds so good, I want to buy the movie rights."

File photo dated 20/10/02 of Harvey Weinstein and Gwyneth Paltrow attending the 50th anniversary gala of the National Film Theatre on the South Bank in London. Paltrow has claimed that she was sexually harassed by Weinstein – one of a string of women to make allegations against him. /VCG Photo

Among Weinstein's accusers is Gwyneth Paltrow. At the time she says the movie mogul harassed her, she was dating Brad Pitt, who confronted Weinstein over the incident.

Source(s): AFP