Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tory MP David Amess issues apology over ‘unauthorised’ statement defending Harvey Weinstein

Clarification issued after first statement sparked furious backlash

Harry Cockburn
Friday 13 October 2017 18:28 BST
Comments
David Amess said a statement issued by his office had not been authorised by him
David Amess said a statement issued by his office had not been authorised by him

Conservative MP David Amess has been forced to issue an apology in relation to the Harvey Weinstein sex scandal, after a statement put out by his office seemed to cast doubt on the validity of the claims made by over 30 women against the mogul.

The MP for Southend West said he had not seen or authorised the statement his office issued, in which he was quoted as saying the claims against Weinstein were “dubious to say the least”.

In his latest statement on the Hollywood film producer, Sir David said: “Unfortunately, a press release was issued in my name from my office this morning which I had not seen or authorised. I was horrified when I read its contents, so I have sought to clarify the issue as soon as possible.

“I wish to make it perfect plain I abhor what Harvey Weinstein has been accused of and furthermore I think the way that he has allegedly treated some women is disgusting.

“I apologise for any upset that the original press release may have caused and I have now put instructions in place to prevent this happening again.”

The original press release, which has been widely circulated online, quoted Sir David as saying: “The recent revelations that countless starlets have apparently been assaulted by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein are dubious to say the least.

“Whilst it has no doubt always been the case that some individuals have achieved their big break via the casting couch, this sudden flurry of alleged inappropriate advances beggars belief.

“Just as with the claims against Jimmy Saville here in the UK, why did no one say anything until now?”

The Independent attempted to reach Sir David for comment, but staff said he was “not in the office today.”

Asked how the office could have put out false quotes from the member for Southend West, The Independent was told: “We’re not in a position to make any comment about it at all”.

The clarification was issued after the first statement sparked a furious backlash.

Jack Munroe, the food writer and journalist, and who lives in Sir David’s constituency, said on Twitter: “One in 5 women will be sexually assaulted in their lives. That's 7000 of David Amess' constituents. Deselect him. He is not fit for office.”

Others pointed out the statement placed the blame on the alleged victims of Weinstein and those of Saville for not saying anything sooner.

The MP is most famous for a different intervention that backfired. He was duped in 1997 by Chris Morris’s Brass Eye programme, in which he was filmed discussing a ridiculous bright yellow drug called “cake”. Morris told him it was being imported from Czechoslovakia and causing catastrophic harm to users. Sir David subsequently raised a question about the non-existent drug in Parliament.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in