"Paddington 2" producer David Heyman responds to allegations of sexual harrassment in the film industry

Record ID: 935824

  • Title: "Paddington 2" producer David Heyman responds to allegations of sexual harrassment in the film industry
  • Date: 1st November 2017
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 1, 2017) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTOR, HUGH BONNEVILLE ASKED ABOUT THE POLITICAL DEBATE IN THE MOVIE PLOT, SAYING: "I don't think Paul King (director) has invented anything in there. It may has a different resonance these days but I think the spirit of Paddington is a worldwide, universally resonant quality. The spirit of Paddington, which is to try and find the best in people."
  • Embargoed: 15th November 2017 18:55
  • Keywords: Paddington bear movie sequel Hugh Bonneville London
  • Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM / UNIDENTIFIED FILM LOCATIONS
  • City: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM / UNIDENTIFIED FILM LOCATIONS
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Film
  • Reuters ID: LVA00675N9B9P
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: "Paddington 2" producer David Heyman said "there is no room for abuse of any kind in any industry," when asked about allegations of sexual harassment in the film industry. The film producer, who was behind the Harry Potter movie franchise, was in London promoting the "Paddington" movie sequel on Wednesday (November 1).
    The first Paddington film, released in 2014, was distributed by The Weinstein Company in the US, where it grossed $76.3 million domestically, making one of the company's highest-grossing movies according to Variety.
    Asked if The Weinstein Company is still involved in the distribution of the second film, Heyman said: "Conversations are under way, discussions are under way too. And at the moment all options are being explored," said the producer.
    More than 50 women have made sexual harassment or assault claims against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
    65 year-old Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone but has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and fired from his independent studio The Weinstein Co. Reuters was unable to independently confirm any of the claims.
    "Paddington 2" focuses on the story of the beloved bear's quest to find the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday. However when he decides to buy a unique pop-up book from an antique shop it leads to him getting into trouble.
    Despite Paddington's beginnings as a stowaway from Peru who gets taken in by a kind family, director Paul King said there is nothing political about the film. With actor Hugh Bonneville saying ''Paddington is not really into kind of a political solution, he's more about kindness and welcomingness."
    Actor Hugh Grant also stars in the film as Phoenix Buchanan, a flamboyant forgotten actor who is desperately seeking a comeback to the spotlight, and eventually stands in the way of the bear.
    "Paddington 2" is out November 10 in the UK.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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