HuffPo | How
Weinstein fought the dawning amfAR scandal is an illustration of the
ferocious manner in which he had long exercised his clout, and of the
impunity he long could count on, thanks to the help of some well-placed
friends. It also reveals something fundamental about the power he
enjoyed, at least until recently: Everything, from the money to the
philanthropy to the sex to the bullying to the coverups enacted on
Weinstein’s behalf, was connected.
For
this story I spoke to over 20 sources inside and outside amfAR, NBC
Universal, The New York Times and others with direct knowledge of the
circumstances of this controversy. I also spoke to former Weinstein
Company executives, former Miramax executives and various consultants
that Weinstein used to have on retainer. All of the sources spoke on the
condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak to the
press by their respective employers, don’t want to be exposed to
potential litigation for violating non-disclosure agreements, or fear
reprisal for speaking about powerful people on-record with a member of
the press. I also reviewed internal amfAR board communications,
confidential reports and communications with the New York Attorney
General’s office, which were provided by multiple sources.
