Harvey Weinstein Appealed for Help in Email About His ‘One Hell of a Year’: Report

Harvey Weinstein sent an email this week to several close friends in which he complained that he had “one hell of a year” and criticized police investigators involved in the sexual-assault case against him, The New York Times reports. Weinstein, who faces charges in Manhattan over allegations he raped one woman and performed an unwanted sex act on another, reportedly described the case against him as the “worst nightmare of my life.” The disgraced film producer went on to appeal to friends to read several news stories that he claimed would show that “the police have played a very difficult role in my investigation.” “The articles are self-explanatory, but I’d like to speak to you on the phone if you have some time. There is more to this story… I appreciate your confidentiality,” he was quoted as saying. The message drew outrage among the more than 80 women who have accused the one-time media mogul of harassment or assault and sparked concerns he may be waging a PR campaign to try to discredit both prosecutors and his accusers. Weinstein’s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said the leaked email was not part of any legal strategy. “The emails from Harvey have to be viewed from the perspective of someone who is very distressed,” Brafman told the Times. “It’s him asking for help. This was not an aggressive move by Harvey Weinstein.” It wasn't immediately clear if Weinstein had sent multiple emails. He is free on $1 million bail and due back in court Dec. 20, the Associated Press reports.