Sex to boost film career is 'not rape': Weinstein lawyer

AFP ^ | March 3, 2018 | Unspecified

[The_Media_never_lie]

London (AFP) - Harvey Weinstein's lawyer said Saturday a woman having sex with a Hollywood producer to advance her career is "not rape", in a British newspaper interview on the eve of the Oscars.

Ben Brafman is one of the US' top criminal defence attorneys, hired by the disgraced Hollywood mogul whose career is in tatters following accusations of sexual harassment, assault and rape.

More than 100 women have accused Weinstein of impropriety going back 40 years, but Brafman argued there was no criminal behaviour.

[The_Media_never_lie]

Using one's sexual desirability to enhance one's position in life, or providing sexual services in return for career advancement, has been utilized since the beginning of time. Why is it suddenly in the news, after being ignored for decades?

[Mouton]

Sleeping one’s way to the top in Hollywood is described here.

[kearnyirish2]

Really - it isn’t rape, just old-fashioned prostitution. Some of these “brave women” coming forward now, after earning their millions, subjected countless later victims to sexual assaults by not coming forward when it mattered.

[rhc2000]

I cannot wait for this douche to be put on trial. With a defense like this, Court TV must be salivating!

[Colo9250]

Its the oldest profession ya know.

[JudyinCanada]

Sleeping one’s way to the top of any field is basically another form of prostitution. Women are free to do that, but had best not be complaining about it when it’s trendy.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

So long as the parties involved are adult and consenting it isn’t rape. Prostitution, perhaps, but hardly rape.

[Fhios]

They want to be treated like men until they want to be treated like women.

Seriously Harvey, let us know which actresses willingly and encouraged you to sleep with them and advance their career. Meryl Streep can’t be the only one.

[Doogle]

....that’s gonna hurt

[corlorde]

I'm sure there were plenty of women willing to watch ‘ol Harvey take a shower for a role in an upcoming film, and are remaining silent. I wonder why? We know Harvey is a pig, but what does it say about the women?

[bray]

Wonder how much the Dems are paying her to do this?

[Mr Ramsbotham]

I recall watching an episode of "Cops," in which a very attractive young woman, about to be arrested for drunk driving or something, says to the arresting cop, "Officer, can we settle this with sex?"

If you're a woman, sex is a commodity, assuming you're immoral enough to use it that way.

[tennmountainman]

The women who spoke up were assaulted.
The women who remained silent gave it up willingly.
And are embarrassed to admit they gave it up to
Harvey to advance their careers.

[ctdonath2]

It’s prostitution. That’s illegal.

In this context (superior abusing his position), it’s also officially a firing offense in practically any business.

[cincinnati65]

Agreed, but it does fall into one of two categories: Prostitution or Extortion.

And both of those are still illegal in most places.

[PeterPrinciple]

Well that does frame the media’s story a little differently..................

[The_Media_never_lie]

If you're a woman, sex is a commodity, assuming you're immoral enough to use it that way.

---

I am shocked!!! Shocked, I tell you.

How long has this been going on?

[Wpin]

Except, he reportedly forced at least some against their will...that would be rape.

[goldstategop]

It all depends on the meaning of consensual sex.

Listen to me: I did not rape that woman ever. We just had sex.

[Joe 6-pack]

"Really - it isn’t rape, just old-fashioned prostitution."

Could be extortion, in which case it's also rape. Yes, it can be argued the women had the option of working elsewhere, I suppose; however, if somebody told you that, "You'll never work in this industry or this state again unless you....", you would probably consider it extortion. It would be interesting to see the arguments from both sides in that regard.