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Friday, October 6, 2017 6:01am ET by  

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Film producer Harvey Weinstein admits: 'I cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt'

Harvey Weinstein has issued an apology via The New York Times after sexual harassment allegations have surfaced.

Denying the allegations, the 65-year-old has issued the following announcement as he plans a leave of absence:

"I came of age in the 60’s and 70’s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different. That was the culture then.

"I have since learned it’s not an excuse, in the office - or out of it. To anyone. I realized some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed.

"I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it.

"Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go. That is my commitment. My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons. Over the last year I've asked Lisa Bloom to tutor me and she's put together a team of people. I've brought on therapists and I plan to take a leave of absence from my company and to deal with this issue head on.

"I so respect all women and regret what happened. I hope that my actions will speak louder than words and that one day we will all be able to earn their trust and sit down together with Lisa to learn more.

"Jay Z wrote in 4:44 "I'm not the man I thought I was and I better be that man for my children." The same is true for me. I want a second chance in the community but I know I've got work to do to earn it. I have goals that are now priorities. Trust me, this isn't an overnight process. I've been trying to do this for 10 years and this is a wake-up call. I cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt and I plan to do right by all of them.

"I am going to need a place to channel that anger so I've decided that I'm going to give the NRA my full attention. I hope Wayne LaPierre will enjoy his retirement party. I'm going to do it at the same place I had my Bar Mitzvah. I'm making a movie about our President, perhaps we can make it a joint retirement party. One year ago, I began organizing a $5 million foundation to give scholarships to women directors at USC. While this might seem coincidental, it has been in the works for a year. It will be named after my mom and I won't disappoint her."

Harvey Weinstein is the co-founder of both Miramax and the Weinstein Company. Films produced include Pulp Fiction, The Crying Game, Sex, Lies and Videotape, Shakespeare in Love, Madonna: Truth or Dare, The Cider House Rules, The Others, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Scream, Jackie Brown, Chicago, Cold Mountain, Bad Santa, Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, The Aviator, The English Patient, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down, The Artist, Apollo 18, Carol, War & Peace, Scream, Chocolat, Scandal, Paddington, Silver Linings Playbook, Scary Movie and Good Will Hunting. 

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