Here’s why this A-list actor punched Harvey Weinstein in the face in 1995

‘That was all I needed to hear…’

Weinsteingate
(Image credit: Rex)

‘That was all I needed to hear…’

The past three months have seen over 50 women come forward with accusations of sexual harassment and abuse against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, with alleged victims ranging from Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow to Uma Thurman, Cara Delevingne and Rose McGowan.

Following the allegations of misconduct against the 65-year-old, stories have been emerging of A-list actors and actresses who have stood up to Harvey in the past.

Brad Pitt threatened Harvey Weinstein after he allegedly harassed Gwyneth Paltrow, poking him in the chest and telling him, ‘You will not ever do this to Gwyneth again’, Carrie Fisher sent a predatory producer a pig’s tongue and threatened to castrate him after he assaulted her friend and Seth MacFarlane sent Weinstein a very public message in his 2013 Oscar announcement speech.

The most recents news of past threats to the producer however has come from Beverly Hills 90210 actor Jason Priestley, who it was recently announced punched Weinstein in the face in 1995.

Jason Priestley

Jason Priestley. Credit: Rex

Despite being hushed up at the time, the story was revealed just this week - a whopping 22 years after the incident took place. The news was broken by actress Tara Strong, tweeting her sympathies for Mira Sorvino after she was revealed to have been black listed for rejecting Weinstein’s advances.

‘Heartbreaking,’ Tara tweeted to Mira Sorvino. ‘Wouldn’t be surprised if this happened to my good friend @Jason_Priestley who punched Weinstein in the face at a club one night. Go Jay.’

‘Of course there is more to the story,’ explained Jason Priestley after being prompted by fans. '95 Golden Globes… at the Miramax Party… Harvey told me I had to leave… I was leaving when he grabbed me by the arm and said “What are you doing?” I said “you told me to leave, I’m leaving”’.

Jason continued: ‘“I didn’t say you had to leave” he replied. “You just told me to leave… right over there” I tell him once again. Getting heated now. He then grabs me tighter and says “why don’t we go outside and talk about this”. That was all I needed to hear.’

'“I’m not going anywhere with you” I said as I pushed him back and punched him with a right hand to his face. Suddenly, there were security guards pulling us apart and I was escorted out of the party..’

So there you have it.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.