Words by Youdlyn Moreau
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have spoken out about the recent allegations of sexual misconduct against film mogul and Democratic donor Harvey Weinstein.
“Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein,” Barack Obama said in a statement. “Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status.”
The accusations come even more disappointing to the Obama family as their eldest daughter, Malia Obama, interned for Harvey Weinstein months before the allegations took place. According to Newsweek, Malia performed tasks beyond fetching coffee such as fulfilling responsibilities in the production and development department and overseeing scripts.
The statement continues:
“We should celebrate the courage of women who have come forward to tell these painful stories and we all need to build a culture — including by empowering our girls and teaching our boys decency and respect — so we can make such behavior less prevalent in the future.”
Approximately eight women have come forward to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, and the misconduct has severed ties with the Obamas. Weinstein donated to Obama’s campaign and was later thanked by Michelle in 2013 for his efforts. Other political figures including Hilary Clinton have also condemned the Hollywood producer.
