"Michelle and I Have Been Disgusted by the Recent Reports": The Obamas Issue a Powerful Response to the Harvey Weinstein News

They've joined Hillary Clinton in condemning the powerful movie executive.

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Following reports of sexual misconduct in The New York Times and The New Yorker, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have released a statement about Harvey Weinstein.

“Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein. Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status,” Obama said in a statement. "We should celebrate the courage of women who have come forward to tell these painful stories. And we all need to build a culture—including by empowering our girls and teaching our boys decency and respect—so we can make such behavior less prevalent in the future."

Michelle and Barack Obama's daughter, Malia, interned for The Weinstein Company's NYC office over the summer. Harvey Weinstein himself is a known supporter of the Democratic party, and fundraised for Hillary Clinton's recent campaign (as well as Obama's campaign in 2012). Clinton released a statement saying she was "shocked and appalled by the revelations."

For more reactions to the news, click below.

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Entertainment Editor

Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.