Is Harvey Weinstein's career in Hollywood over?

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Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is threatening to sue the New York Times after it broke the news of allegations of inappropriate sexual advances.

The bombshell report on Thursday was filled with detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse involving famous actresses such as Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, as well as a half dozen former employees.

Weinstein initially announced he would be temporarily stepping down from the company he runs.

After the statement in which Weinstein apologized for his behavior, his attorney Charles J. Harder subsequently put out a statement saying the newspaper’s story was defamatory because it relied on “mostly hearsay accounts and a faulty report.”

Weinstein served as producer on Hollywood hits such as “Pulp Fiction.”

He was also at the helm of China-based productions including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hero" and "Shanghai."

New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha said the newspaper was confident about its reporting, adding that Weinstein “was aware and able to respond to specific allegations in our story before publication.”

Weinstein produced “Hero" the second highest-grossing Chinese film of all ‍time in the US. /Courtesy: Miramax Films

The alleged victims included an actress, a model and two assistants with their allegations spanning almost 30 years, the newspaper reported.

Weinstein has not been charged with any crimes.

“I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain and I sincerely apologize for it. Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go,” Weinstein said in his statement to the New York Times that was also given to Reuters by his lawyers.

“I’ve brought on therapists and I plan to take a leave of absence from my company and to deal with this issue head-on,” said Weinstein, whose Oscar-winning films include “Shakespeare in Love” and “Chicago.”

One of the women interviewed by the New York Times was “Double Jeopardy” actress and singer Ashley Judd.

The report quoted Judd as saying that two decades ago she had a meeting with Weinstein in his Beverly Hills hotel room where he asked if he could give her a massage or if she could watch him shower.

Judd’s representatives did not immediately return requests from Reuters for comment.

Weinstein and his brother Bob formed independent movie studio Miramax in 1979. They later sold it and in 2005 set up The Weinstein Company.

Weinstein, who is married to Marchesa label fashion designer Georgina Chapman, is the latest US media titan to be accused of sexual harassment.

Former Fox News chief Roger Ailes was forced out of the company in July 2016 after being accused of sexual harassment, allegations he denied.

(With input from Reuters)