Amidst a growing number of women stepping forward with allegations of s**ual harassment against Harvey Weinstein, a woman from Buffalo, New York, aged 62, has disclosed what may be one of the earliest reported incidents of harassment.

In 1980, the woman claims that Weinstein exposed himself and requested a massage in a hotel room, followed by a lewd comment.

Paula Wachowiak shared her story with the Buffalo News, recounting her experience as a 24-year-old intern during one of Weinstein’s initial films, “The Burning” in 1981.

At the time, Weinstein was known for being part of the concert promotions team, Harvey and Corky, collaborating with Horace “Corky” Booker to book top rock stars.

Wachowiak, a communications student at the University at Buffalo, sought an internship for the summer and was familiar with Weinstein and Booker as concert promoters.

Despite attempting to secure an internship with Harvey and Corky, she eventually connected with Weinstein, who proposed an internship on a horror movie he was producing, later named “The Burning,” filmed in Buffalo that summer.

Assigned as a production assistant, Wachowiak primarily handled check cashing at a bank but once was tasked by an auditor on the project to deliver checks in a manila folder to Weinstein’s hotel room for signing.

Upon entering the hotel room, Wachowiak encountered Weinstein draped in a hand towel around his waist, revealing his n^dty beneath, as detailed to the Buffalo News.

As she handed him the folder, Weinstein let go of the towel, standing n^ked before her, she recalled.

In an attempt to maintain composure, Wachowiak reminded herself that individuals in the film industry were accustomed to nudity, urging herself to focus on his face and avoid looking down, all while suppressing the urge to flee in terror.

Seated on the bed with the folder concealing his groin, Weinstein reviewed the checks, questioning certain expenses, and expressing discomfort in his shoulder, eventually requesting a massage from Wachowiak.

Drawing from past encounters with unwanted advances, Wachowiak firmly declined, asserting it was not within her job description.

After persistent coercion from Weinstein, emphasizing the opportunity the project presented, Wachowiak held her ground, refusing physical contact.

Eventually, Weinstein relented, signed the checks, and Wachowiak exited the room, overwhelmed with emotion, confiding in the project’s accountant and production supervisor about the distressing encounter.

Reflecting on the incident, Wachowiak described it as traumatic at the time but has since moved past it, now a grandmother of three and an employment specialist aiding individuals with disabilities, according to the Buffalo News.

Continuing her internship without further encounters with Weinstein until the project’s conclusion, Wachowiak confronted Weinstein’s attempt at humor regarding the incident, expressing her disdain.

Subsequently relocating to New York City, she crossed paths with Weinstein at “The Burning” premiere, leading to a brief exchange where Weinstein humorously noted her omnipresence.

Wachowiak disclosed to the Buffalo News that though she had previously divulged her account, it had never been to a reporter.

Upon reading the detailed reports of alleged harassment and assault in The New York Times and The New Yorker, she drew parallels between her experience and the allegations, anticipating more revelations about Weinstein.

Expressing relief at the exposure of such behavior, Wachowiak remarked on the University at Buffalo’s decision to rescind the honorary degree bestowed upon Weinstein in 2000.