Dame Judi Dench reveals she’s still in contact with disgraced actor after he supported her, then drops bombshell about another convicted Hollywood mogul

Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has made shocking comments about Harvey Weinstein, talking about “forgiveness” after his rape and sexual assault convictions. The 90-year-old British star suggested the disgraced movie producer has “done his time,” though it’s unclear if she meant his prison sentence or being kicked out of Hollywood.

According to Deadline, Dench also revealed she still keeps in touch with Kevin Spacey. She explained the actor helped her after her husband, Michael Williams, died in 2001, and she hasn’t forgotten that support.

Dench talked about seeing recent footage of Weinstein walking with two walking sticks. “I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience – very fortunately for me,” she said. The actress admitted she feels sorry for Weinstein’s victims but added, “I imagine he’s done his time.” She called the issue “personal” and said it comes down to “forgiveness.”

The actress worked on major Weinstein films but says she knew nothing

Weinstein is 73 years old and currently locked up in Rikers Island jail. He’s serving a 16-year sentence after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault in Los Angeles in 2023. Before that, he was also convicted in New York in 2020 and given 23 years in prison.

Earlier this year, Weinstein faced another trial in New York. He was found guilty of one charge involving Miriam Haley but was cleared of a second charge related to Kaja Sokola. A third rape allegation ended in a mistrial. Hollywood has seen its share of controversial figures, with directors revealing which actors they refuse to work with in the industry.

Dench worked on several Weinstein-produced movies during her career, including the 1998 hit Shakespeare in Love and 2013’s Philomena. When the allegations against Weinstein first became public, she said she was “horrified” but claimed she had no idea what was going on.

Back in 2017, Dench released a statement saying Weinstein had helped her film career for 20 years. “I was completely unaware of these offenses which are, of course, horrifying and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered,” she said at the time. She also gave her full support to the women who spoke out against him.

The actress’s recent comments have sparked debate about whether powerful figures in Hollywood should be forgiven after serving time for serious crimes. Other celebrities have also faced scrutiny for their public appearances and statements, including what a former leader said about a celebrity’s diplomatic event.