Colin Firth admits ‘shame’ over not speaking out against Weinstein

London: Hollywood actor Colin Firth has revealed he felt ashamed for not doing more when a British actress told him about an upsetting encounter with studio mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Sophie Dix, who starred with him in ‘The Advocate’, went public with allegations of a sexual assault in a hotel room when she was 22, reports The Guardian.

Firth said that Dix managed to run to the bathroom and, after spending some time there hiding, decided to try and escape the room.

He said, “She told me she had had a distressing encounter with Harvey Weinstein. I don’t think she went into all the horrific detail I’ve read in her interview. But I remember her being profoundly upset by it. To my shame, I merely expressed sympathy.”

The Oscar-winning actor also shared that the fact he had that conversation has come back to haunt him in the light of these revelations.

“I didn’t act on what she told me. It was a long time ago and I don’t know if she remembers telling me, but the fact that I had that conversation has come back to haunt me in the light of these revelations. It’s the only direct account of this kind of behaviour by Harvey Weinstein that’s ever been told to me,” Firth shared.

This is the second time the ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ star has spoken out about the accusations of sexual misconduct mounting against Weinstein.

Firth, who starred in the Miramax-backed film ‘The King’s Speech’, has commented and said that he remembers Dix being “profoundly upset”.

He noted, “To my shame, I merely expressed sympathy. I didn’t act on what she told me. It was a long time ago and I don’t know if she remembers telling me, but the fact that I had that conversation has come back to haunt me in the light of these revelations. It’s the only direct account of this kind of behaviour by Harvey Weinstein that’s ever been told to me.”

Several Hollywood actresses have come forward with accusations against the studio mogul, including Kate Beckinsale, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cara Delevingne.

Weinstein has “denied” any “allegations of non-consensual sex” and has said that he is hoping to get a “second chance”.

He is facing allegations from more than 30 women of sexual misconduct, including at least three of rape. (ANI)