Dame Judi Dench makes Harvey Weinstein comments as she says former friend has 'done his time'
Dame Judi Dench has made a rare comment about her former friendship with disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein.
The beloved British screen star, who turns 91 tomorrow (9 December), said that she believes that the convicted sex offender has now 'done his time'.
Five years ago, Weinstein was jailed for 23 years after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in New York. However, this conviction was later overturned on the basis that he didn't receive a fair trial.
He was then found guilty on one count of sexual assault after a retrial, which took place earlier this year. Weinstein is set to face trial once again next year in relation to another sexual assault charge.
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The movie mogul, 73, was also sentenced to 16 years behind bars for rape in relation to a case which was tried in California.
After the #MeToo movement exposed his reign of terror in Hollywood, many famous faces - including Dench - denounced his actions.
In wake of the shocking slew of allegations against Weinstein coming to light, the James Bond star said at the time: "Whilst there is no doubt that Harvey Weinstein has helped and championed my film career for the past 20 years, I was completely unaware of these offences which are, of course, horrifying and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered, and wholehearted support to those who have spoken out."
She previously credited the sex offender with launching her cinematic career, saying that she 'owed a great deal to' Weinstein.
The pair collaborated on a number of projects together, including the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love and 2013’s Philomena, before his dramatic fall from grace.
In 2014, Dench, who once jokingly inked his name on her buttocks, told the Hollywood Reporter of Weinstein: "It is thanks to him that I’ve got a film career."
The actress has now addressed where she stands with her former friend in a new interview with the Radio Times.
She told the publication: "I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks and you think, 'Well…'
"I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience - very fortunately for me.
"I imagine he's done his time...I don't know, to me, it's personal - forgiveness. I just think…"
The Oscar-winner also shared an update on her friendship with actor Kevin Spacey, 66, who was accused of sexual assault before being acquitted.
The House of Cards star said the scandal left him owing 'many millions' in legal fees and 'living in hotels and Airbnbs' as he admitted: "The costs over these last seven years have been astronomical. I've had very little coming in and everything going out."
Dench revealed that she stays in touch with Spacey, telling the Radio Times: "Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text."
The pair met on the set of the 2001 film The Shipping News, with Spacey previously saying he 'made it his mission to make [Dench] laugh' as much as he could while she dealt with the death of her husband Michael Williams.
LADbible has approached Dench's representatives for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, Celebrity News, Crime, Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey
Olivia Burke