The Harvey Weinstein mess keeps getting messier.
Ashley Judd, who has been one of the loudest voices in the call to end Hollywood sexism in light of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, thanked director Peter Jackson this week after Jackson came clean about blacklisting both Judd and Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion star Mira Sorvino from appearing in Lord of the Rings.
"I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998," Jackson told Stuff. "At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us - but in hindsight, I realise that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing. Jackson went on to say that he now suspects that he was "fed false information about both of these talented women - and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list."
The director also called Weinstein and his brother Bob "second-rate Mafia bullies."
Judd and Sorvino both responded on Twitter, thanking Jackson for finally speaking out.
\u201cPeter & Fran had me in - showed me all the creative, the boards, costumes, everything. They asked which if the two roles I preferred, and then I abruptly never heard from hem again. I appreciate the truth coming out. Thank you, Peter. https://t.co/iXKuK6Xqtx\u201d— ashley judd (@ashley judd) 1513370040
\u201cJust seeing this after I awoke, I burst out crying. There it is, confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure. Thank you Peter Jackson for being honest. I\u2019m just heartsick https://t.co/ljK9NqICbm\u201d— Mira Sorvino (@Mira Sorvino) 1513351253
Imagine a world in which Ashley Judd played Arwen. Hard gag.
