The actress describes her and fellow Serendipity castmates reluctancy attending the 2001 premiere of the movie, following the tragic events of 9/11 that only occurred one month prior. Beckinsale felt that attending was "the most insensitive, tone-deaf, disrespectful idea possible". However, the actress claims that Weinstein, whose company Miramax produced the film, insisted the cast attend. The morning after the premiere the then 49-year-old invited Beckinsale and her two-year-old daughter Lily over for a play date with his young daughter.
The actress remembers going to follow the nanny, who was taking the two children into another room when Weinstein said, "No, you wait here". Beckinsale claims that Weinstein then began screaming at her, "you stupid f*****g c**t, you c**t you ruined my premiere". The confused actress had no idea what Weinstein was talking about. He continued "If I am throwing a red carpet you get in a tight dress, you shake your ass you shake your tits you do not go down it looking like a f*****g lesbian you stupid f*****g c**t".
The actress chose to wear a modest white suit to the premiere, which seemingly did not meet the producer's outrageous requirements. Beckinsale, in tears, argued, "The city is on fire, people are still looking for their relatives, none of us even felt the premiere was appropriate much less coming out dressed like it’s a bachelor party". He screamed back "I don’t care, it’s my fucking premiere and if I want pussy on the red carpet that’s what I get". Beckinsale claims this was only one of many career damaging incidents involving Weinstein, and that she was punished for repeatedly saying "no".
Weinstein, who ignited the #Metoo movement, was yesterday sentenced to 23 years in prison for crimes of rape and sexual assault. The sentencing comes as a "huge relief" for Beckinsale who hopes that it will deter this kind of behaviour and abuse of power "in this and any other industry".
