Harvey Weinstein Refutes Allegations of Coercing Salma Hayek for s=x Scene in “Frida”

Salma Hayek, renowned for her roles in “Wild Wild West” and “Desperado,” recently penned an op-ed for The New York Times, shedding light on the inappropriate behavior and repeated s–ual advances she faced from Harvey Weinstein during the production of the 2002 film, “Frida.”

In her article, Hayek emphasized Weinstein's aversion to the word ‘no' and recounted instances of his manipulative tactics, ranging from persuasion to menacing threats.

She disclosed that Weinstein pressured her into filming a s=x scene involving frontal n^dty with another woman.

Following the publication of Hayek's claims, adding her to the list of over 30 women who have spoken out against him, Weinstein's team issued a statement denying the allegations.

They asserted that Weinstein does not recollect pressuring Hayek into a gratuitous s=x scene with a female co-star and clarified that he was not present during the filming.

Weinstein's statement praised Hayek as a talented actress, highlighting their collaboration in movies such as “Once Upon a Time in Mexico,” “Dogma,” and “Studio 54.”

He expressed pride in her Best Actress Academy Award nomination for “Frida” and affirmed his ongoing support for her career.

Despite initial considerations of casting Jennifer Lopez as the lead in “Frida,” Weinstein championed Hayek for the role, even overriding other investors' preferences.

The production faced creative tensions, typical of collaborative projects, which ultimately contributed to enhancing the film's quality.

“Frida” received widespread theatrical release and significant promotional backing, including an extensive advertising campaign and substantial investment for the Academy Awards.

Regarding the alleged s=x scene controversy, Weinstein's statement emphasized that Frida Kahlo's bisexuality was a crucial aspect of the story.

While he denied pressuring Hayek for the scene in question, he acknowledged her involvement in choreographing a different pivotal s=x scene with Geoffrey Rush.

Weinstein disputed Hayek's portrayal of events, claiming that eyewitnesses provided differing narratives.

The statement also mentioned Ed Norton's involvement in the project as Hayek's boyfriend at the time.

Norton played a key role in rewriting the script for “Frida,” with Weinstein advocating for him to receive due credit, albeit unsuccessfully.

Weinstein attributed his post-screening behavior to disappointment over the film's edit, leading him to assert control over the final cut alongside director Julie Taymor.