Despite defending him shortly after allegations against him went public in the New York Times, civil rights attorney Lisa Bloom has resigned as an advisor for Harvey Weinstein. The Weinstein Company executive is facing a slew of allegations involving sexual misconduct, including claims from actress Ashley Judd and a startling allegation from Fox News reporter Lauren Sivan, leading many to question why Bloom was aiding Weinstein and if it would be a conflict of interest given previous announcements of a business relationship with the executive.
Bloom’s resignation as advisor comes shortly after Weinstein took a leave of absence from his company and a third of its “all-male board” resigned according to the New York Times.
I have resigned as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein.
My understanding is that Mr. Weinstein and his board are moving toward an agreement.— Lisa Bloom (@LisaBloom) October 7, 2017
Some of the criticism against Bloom’s involvement stems from her high-profile defense of several victims of sexual assault, including those allegedly assaulted by Donald Trump, Roger Ailes, and Bill O’Reilly. Some feel her advisement betrays her status as an advocate for women’s rights, with some criticizing her comments made directly after the allegations went public.
https://twitter.com/magi_jay/status/916713461803036672
Bloom was not the only person to resign from advising Weinstein according to the New York Times:
Lanny Davis, another adviser to Mr. Weinstein, is also no longer representing him, according to someone familiar with the matter. Mr. Davis declined to comment or elaborate on the reason for his departure. But the two men had disagreed over how to handle the sexual harassment allegations, with Mr. Davis advising a more conciliatory tone and approach than Mr. Weinstein seemed willing to adopt.
It is possible that Weinstein will be stepping down from the company and the resignations have come as a result of that. This has not been confirmed yet, but Bloom’s statement indicates that something more than an “indefinite leave of absence.”
UPDATE: Emails obtained by the New York Times reportedly shed light on Bloom’s resignation, citing intense criticism from the board of the Weinstein Company after a controversial pitch for defending Harvey Weinstein.
(Via New York Times)
