Weinstein’s Gwyneth Paltrow Name-Drop Fuels New Courtroom Drama
Look, I don’t *enjoy* dredging up salacious Hollywood drama, but somebody’s got to point out the obvious mess unfolding in Manhattan. During the latest round of testimony against Harvey Weinstein, an anonymous accuser shook the courtroom by alleging that after an alleged assault in Cannes back in May 1997, Weinstein casually name-dropped Gwyneth Paltrow—and Penélope Cruz—as if it were some celebrity guarantee of safety. If that doesn’t sound like a power play, nothing does.
According to court records and TMZ’s exclusive coverage, the woman testified that Weinstein asked her back to his InterContinental hotel suite under the pretense of discussing a minor role in a film. She says the conversation quickly turned coercive, culminating in a forced sexual act. Then, as People Magazine reports, Weinstein supposedly leaned back and quipped, “You could be Gwyneth Paltrow.” The accuser claims he followed up with, “Penélope Cruz does this all the time,” apparently using two A-list names to intimidate and imply a twisted endorsement of his conduct.
This eyebrow-raising revelation comes straight from her sworn deposition, supplemented by corroborating details uncovered by The New York Times in their coverage of the case. She testified that she froze in shock, mind-numbed by his brazen behavior, and bolted as soon as she found an excuse. She’s now one of several women testifying against Weinstein this month, in what media outlets like Variety have dubbed a “trial of the century” for Hollywood’s #MeToo reckoning.
Defense attorneys have dismissed these claims as “misremembered” and “mischaracterized,” insisting their client never name-dropped Paltrow or Cruz in any context. But the accuser’s memory is remarkably specific—she can cite the date (May 6, 1997) and the room number (1207) without a flinch. Meanwhile, court transcripts filed this week include text messages and hotel records that seem to line up with her timeline, giving her testimony more weight.
If you’re still wondering why we can’t have nice things—this is your answer. A legendary producer dangles A-list carrots while allegedly preying on newcomers; the law grinds on decades later; and we’re left squinting at our screens, thinking, “I told you so.” What’s next? The next witness is set to testify Thursday, and rumor has it she’s got receipts. Stay tuned.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, The New York Times, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
