Judi Denchis weighing in onHarvey Weinstein's fall from gracein the wake of widespread accusations of sexual misconduct.
The actress, 90,toldThe Radio Timesin a new interview that she felt the since-scorned movie mogul had "done his time." It wasn't immediately clear whether she was referring to a prison sentence, whichhe is currently servingin New York for an assault conviction, or his exclusion from Hollywood.
"I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks and you think, 'Well…,'" she said, referring to Weinstein's health struggles since his conviction. "I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience – very fortunately for me."
Kevin Spacey admits financesare 'not great,' has 'no home'
Weinstein has beenaccused by nearly 90 alleged victimsof sexual misconduct ranging from requests for massages and intimidating advances to rape. Weinstein has denied the allegations.
"I imagine he's done his time," she said, later adding: "I don't know, to me it's personal – forgiveness." Dench, who has previously condemned Weinstein's actions, starred in several films produced by him, including 1998's "Shakespeare in Love" and 2013's "Philomena."
"I have always been fond of Judi Dench. She is an extraordinary person who played an important role in my career," Weinstein told USA TODAY in a statement through his reps Dec. 8. "I've now spent more than six and a half years incarcerated, including a year and a half in Rikers, which counts as double time. I am here for something I did not do, and many of the claims that have been written about me are gradually being shown to be untrue or unsupported. I am grateful for the kind words that have been expressed, and all I want is the chance to return to my family and children."
Judi Dench 'can't recognizeanybody' due to eye condition
Judi Dench defends Kevin Spacey
Wading further into the muddy waters of #MeToo, the celebrated British actress told the outlet that she stillcommunicated with Kevin Spacey, citingthe actor'ssupport following the 2001 death of her husband, Michael Williams.
Beginning in 2017,Spaceywas accused by a slew of alleged victims of sexual assault and harassment. While several of the claims went to court, the actor was never convicted by a jury.
"Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text," she told The Radio Times.
Dench's comments follow a recent revelationfrom Spacey, once a Hollywood fixture, that he lives mostly in hotels. Working with a "not great" financial situation,he recently told The Telegraphthat he is trying to put the assault allegations against him in the "rear-view mirror."
"I've had very little coming in and everything going out," Spacey said. "I'm living in hotels, I'm living in Airbnbs, I'm going where the work is. I literally have no home, that's what I'm attempting to explain."
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN'sNational Sexual Assault Hotlineoffers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Judi Dench says Harvey Weinstein has 'done his time'
