The Obamas Are 'Disgusted' By Harvey Weinstein Sexual Harassment Claims

The Obamas have released a statement on the allegations of decades of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein.

As CBS News reports:

Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein," Mr. Obama said in the statement. "Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status. 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."

Weinstein had donated millions of dollars to the Democratic Party, as well as hosted fundraisers that the Obamas attended. Malia Obama, the couple's oldest daughter, also served as an intern with the Weinstein Co. earlier this year, working with the production and development department. Following the release of the allegations which were revealed in two reports (one from the New York Times, the other the New Yorker), Weinstein was suspended from the company. A number of women have accused Weinstein of abusing or harassing them including actresses Gwenyth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, and others.

READ: Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein Suspended From Company Indefinitely

Actor Terry Crews also spoke out about being sexually harassed by a Hollywood executive (although the perpetrator was not Weinstein). In a string of tweets, Crews spoke about the incident and said that by sharing his own experience it will hopefully "deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless."

Source: cbsnews.com