CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual assault.
An Australian singer and actor has claimed that she was groped by disgraced Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein.
39-year-old Natalie Mendoza, who was part of the short-lived pop duo Jackson Mendoza in the late ’90s, says Weinstein lunged at her during a private meeting around the time she was filming the movie The Great Raid.
In a statement posted to Facebook (via News Corp Australia), Mendoza reportedly says she “might have told Mr W mid-script ‘meeting’ after he sent his assistant out that I’d punch him if he didn’t take his hands off me”.
“Shook all the way home but high-fived myself for knowing my self worth in my early 20s.
“I knew my first film would be my last after that and I was more than OK about it.”
In a second statement, Mendoza reportedly says, “I was so naive I did not realise it was a set-up. I managed to escape with my integrity intact. I was shaken and dazed but OK.
“I know girls in LA that sleep with directors and producers for roles.
“Such women too are complicit in this abuse of power. So are the men that protect this sort of abhorrent behaviour.
“It makes my stomach turn. Can’t buy talent and integrity.”
Mendoza, who has appeared in films like Moulin Rouge and musicals like Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark, is part of a long list of entertainment industry figures who have accused Weinstein of inappropriate behaviour.
Footage has also come to light of Courtney Love trying to warn people about Weinstein a mere 12 years ago.
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732, while Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14.
