In a heartfelt piece published in The New York Times, the 51-year-old actress recounted her interactions with Weinstein during the production of the 2002 film “Frida,” a biopic about the renowned artist Frida Kahlo.
Among her revelations was an alarming incident where Weinstein allegedly threatened her life after she rebuffed his advances.
According to Hayek, Weinstein’s disdain for the word “no” was palpable, and his reaction to rejection often turned into a display of anger and manipulation.
She described a chilling moment when he uttered the words, “I will kill you, don’t think I can’t,” during a fit of rage.
Despite facing such threats, Hayek stood her ground and repeatedly refused Weinstein’s demands.
She recounted instances where she declined to comply with his requests, such as refusing to open the door for him late at night, rejecting his proposition for a shared shower, and declining various inappropriate advances.
The actress detailed the absurdity of Weinstein’s demands, which ranged from firing her agent over a personal dispute to coercing her into uncomfortable situations at public events.
One particularly distressing demand involved filming a s** scene with another woman that required full-frontal nudity, a decision she reluctantly acquiesced to out of pressure and obligation to the project.
During the filming of the controversial scene, Hayek experienced a breakdown, overwhelmed by the emotional toll of the situation and the weight of her compromised integrity.
She concealed her distress from those around her, masking her turmoil as she grappled with the harrowing circumstances.
Following the tumultuous filming process, Hayek faced further challenges during post-production, where Weinstein reportedly threatened to relegate the film to direct-to-DVD status.
Despite the obstacles, “Frida” ultimately received a theatrical release, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success, including multiple Academy Award nominations and wins.
Weinstein, who has been accused by numerous women of s**ual misconduct, denied Hayek’s allegations in a statement, highlighting his support for her career and their collaboration on various projects.
He refuted specific claims made by Hayek regarding their interactions during the production of “Frida” and emphasized creative differences as part of the filmmaking process.
In response to Weinstein’s rebuttal, Hayek’s attorneys reiterated her account of the events, emphasizing the emotional and professional challenges she faced during her collaboration with the embattled producer.
Despite the conflicting narratives, Hayek’s courage in speaking out sheds light on the pervasive culture of abuse and manipulation in the entertainment industry, sparking conversations about accountability and justice.
