Jennifer Lawrence has denied Harvey Weinstein’s alleged claim that they slept together.
In a statement, the actress told E! News, “My heart breaks for all the women who were victimized by Harvey Weinstein. I have never had anything but a professional relationship with him.”
She added, “This is yet another example of the predatory tactics and lies that he engaged in to lure countless women.”
According to legal documents obtained by the outlet, Harvey allegedly made the claim after an aspiring actress rejected his advances – which he has since denied.
The lawsuit claims the disgraced producer allegedly pushed the unnamed actress to the ground during a meeting at his office in 2013, before sexually assaulting her.
When she rejected his advances, Harvey allegedly asked her, “Do you even want to be an actress?” before adding “I slept with Jennifer Lawrence and look where she is; she has just won an Oscar.”
Harvey is currently battling numerous sexual assault charges, and he has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.
UPDATE: A spokesperson for Harvey Weinstein has told TMZ, “This lawsuit was filed and updated strategically with no notice given or any attempt to reach out to Mr. Weinstein’s attorneys for one reason; It was meant to embarrass Mr. Weinstein and garner unchecked media attention.”
“There is absolutely no truth to the malicious claims made in this lawsuit, and we are reviewing our options with an eye on filing for an immediate dismissal.”
The statement continues, “Mr. Weinstein is embarrassed for Ms. Lawrence with whom he has only had a professional and respectful relationship, who has sadly been dragged into this ugly attempt at defamation. This filing further proves that anyone can say whatever they want in a lawsuit for maximum shock value, to defame and debase, without having to offer any facts or reality.”
