Seth MacFarlane has added some crucial context to a joke he made about now-disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein while preparing to host the 2013 Oscars, saying he made the joke after learning that Weinstein made “attempted advances” on his friend, and noting that the joke came from “a place of loathing and anger.”
In a tweet published Wednesday, the “Family Guy” boss recalled, “In 2011, my friend and colleague Jessica Barth, with whom I worked on the Ted films, confided in me regarding her encounter with Harvey Weinstein and his attempted advances. She has since courageously come forward to speak out.”
“It was with this account in mind that, when I hosted the Oscars in 2013, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a hard swing in his direction. Make no mistake, this came from a place of loathing and anger.”
MacFarlane added,”There is nothing more abhorrent and indefensible than abuse of power such as this. I respect and applaud my friend Jessica and those sharing their stories for their decision to come forward, and for being champions of the truth.”
Back in the walk-up to his gig hosting the Oscars in 2013, Seth MacFarlane made a joke on live TV about Harvey Weinstein — and actresses who “pretend to be attracted” to the indie mogul.
The morning of the Academy Award nominations, MacFarlane and Emma Stone announced the nominees for Best Supporting Actress — which that year were Sally Field, Anne Hathaway, Jacki Weaver, Helen Hunt and Amy Adams.
And that’s when MacFarlane tossed off a joke: “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.”
Last Thursday, the New York Times published an article about Weinstein, detailing three decades of alleged sexual misconduct, including accusations that he propositioned actresses and harassed female employees.
Just days after its publication, Weinstein was terminated as co-chairman of The Weinstein Company, which he founded 12 years ago with his brother, Bob.
Since then, a New Yorker piece was published with more accusers coming forward. Weinstein’s BAFTA membership has since been revoked, and the company is currently under the leadership of his brother, Bob Weinstein, and COO David Glasser.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) October 11, 2017