As the fallout from the revelations surrounding numerous incidents of heinous sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein continues, many have recently started pointing out the many in-jokes and references to his character in popular culture, going back years.
As more and more women bravely come out to reveal Weinstein’s many indiscretions, the so-called “known secret” of the incredibly powerful man as a predator is becoming more apparent, especially considering in hindsight how often he was “jokingly” portrayed as such in TV and film.
30 Rock for example, had not one, but two, references to Harvey’s tendencies, via the eternally hilarious Jenna, portrayed by Jane Krakowski. Here’s one from a 2012 episode:
Here’s that 30 Rock clip where Jane Krakowski jokes that she turned down sex with Harvey Weinstein 3 out of 5 times…
Hollywood knew… pic.twitter.com/rhKJT9OEfb— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) October 11, 2017
And again in 2013:
Another 30 Rock Harvey Weinstein joke from S7E10. pic.twitter.com/haAC3QPHhh
— Mira G (@TheLiberalPulse) October 9, 2017
HBO’s Entourage, not exactly known for being the most ‘woke’ show of the ’00s, also alluded to the, then, industry whispers, via a character named Harvey Weingard, a sleazy, rude and controlling film producer:
I wonder how many people in Hollywood saw Maury Chaykin’s “Harvey Weingard” as not a satire but an intervention: https://t.co/SnVDlgD1BF
— jandrewpotter (@jandrewpotter) October 6, 2017
More recently during the 2013 Oscar season, then host and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane also joked about Weinstein being predatorial at the nomination announcement ceremony.
After announcing the nominees for Best Supporting Actress, MacFarlane jokes: “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.” (3:20 mark below).
Weintstein’s wife is the latest to condemn him for his actions, and it looks like this saga, an important one for making the industry safer and more inclusive for women, is far from over.
