American director Quentin Tarantino admits he knew, for decades, about instances of sexual assault by his longtime friend Harvey Weinstein.
In an interview, the filmmaker, who collaborated with Weinstein on numerous projects, including Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill franchise, said, "There was more to it than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip," Tarantino told the New York Times, reports The Independent.
"It wasn't second hand. I knew he did a couple of these things. I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would not have had to work with him."
According to the report, he also condemned Harvey, who he tried to reach after the stories were published, but said he has not spoken to him yet.
Tarantino also made a call to action for change in the way Hollywood has behaved towards women. "I'm calling on the other guys who knew more to not be scared. Don't just give out statements. Acknowledge that there was something rotten in Denmark. Vow to do better by our sisters."
He added, "What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness."
In light of dozens of allegations from actresses including Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Cara Delevingne and Eva Green, Weinstein has been fired from his own company and expelled from the Motion Picture Academy.
In a blanket statement, Weinstein denied allegations of non-consensual sex.
(ANI)
