Judi Dench Shares Her Thoughts on Harvey Weinstein’s Sentence

Judi Dench Reflects on Harvey Weinstein and Forgiveness

In a recent interview with The Radio Times, acclaimed British actress Judi Dench addressed the topic of forgiveness in light of Harvey Weinstein’s rape and sexual assault convictions. Dench, known for her Oscar-winning performances, expressed her belief that Weinstein has “done his time,” although it remains unclear whether she was commenting on his prison sentence or his standing within the industry.

During the interview, Dench, 90, acknowledged her ongoing communication with Kevin Spacey, who provided her support following the passing of her husband, Michael Williams, in 2001.

“I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks, and you think, ‘Well…,’” Dench remarked. “I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience – very fortunately for me.”

While Dench expressed empathy for Weinstein’s victims, she reiterated her stance on forgiveness, stating, “I imagine he’s done his time. I don’t know, to me it’s personal – forgiveness.”

Weinstein, 73, is currently serving a 16-year sentence at Rikers Island following his conviction in Los Angeles in 2023. Previously, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison after being convicted in New York in 2020. In a retrial this year, he was found guilty on one count of committing a criminal sexual act on Miriam Haley while being acquitted of a second charge involving Kaja Sokola. A mistrial was declared on a third allegation of rape.

Dench has worked on several films produced by Weinstein, including the acclaimed Shakespeare in Love (1998) and Philomena (2013). In 2017, she expressed her horror at the allegations against him, maintaining that she was unaware of his misconduct. "Whilst there is no doubt that Harvey Weinstein has helped and championed my film career for the past 20 years, I was completely unaware of these offenses, which are, of course, horrifying, and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered, and wholehearted support to those who have spoken out," Dench stated at the time.

Regarding Spacey, Dench noted, “Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin; we text.”