At a film workshop for students from across the country in 2013, then-first lady Michelle Obama praised Harvey Weinstein as a “wonderful human being.”
Weinstein has come under fire after The New York Times reported the Miramax head has been paying women to keep quiet about sexual assault allegations against him for decades. The film mogul has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democrats for years. CNN reports that Weinstein has made more than 185 donations to Democratic candidates and liberal organizations totaling more than $350,000.
Four years ago, Michelle Obama praised Weinstein at a White House event.
“I want to start by thanking Harvey Weinstein for organizing this amazing day,” she said at the beginning of her remarks. “Harvey. This is possible because of Harvey. He is a wonderful human being, a good friend and just a powerhouse. And the fact that he and his team took the time to make this happen for all of you should say something not about me or about this place, but about you. Everybody — we are here because of you.”
Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of Michelle and former president Barack Obama, worked as an intern for Weinstein this year.
