Democratic Politicians Are Scrambling to Distance Themselves from Harvey Weinstein

Yesterday, the New York Times dropped a bombshell of an exposé about famed Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein and the seemingly countless sexual harassment allegations that have swirled around him for decades. While the transgressions of Weinstein were an open secret in the industry, the story has forced him to confront his behavior, which led to an unhinged personal statement about how he grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s, how he “so” respects all women, and something about not disappointing his mom.

Now, the allegations have also forced a bunch of senators who have received donations from Weinstein to put as much distance between themselves and his money as possible.

Harvey, a huge supporter of Democratic politicians, has donated more than $100,000 to both the Democratic National Committee and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and hosted fundraisers for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. But some of the recipients of his donations have chosen to repurpose Weinstein’s donations and instead forward the amount to various charities.

Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy received $2,700, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand received $5,000, New Jersey Senator Corey Booker received $7,800, and New Mexico’s Martin Heinrich, Connecticut’s Richard Blumenthal, and Massachusetts’ Elizabeth Warren each received $5,400 from Weinstein.

All have plans to donate the money to various non-profit organizations that combat domestic and/or sexual violence. Who knows if the Democratic Party as a whole can actually cut ties with the serial harasser who remains an integral part of their funding, but I suppose you have to start somewhere.