Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench is sharing her candid thoughts about Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, both of whom played roles in her long career before their respective #MeToo scandals.
In a recent interview with The Radio Times, the 91-year-old star reflected on the men who were once key figures in her professional life. Dench worked with Spacey on The Shipping News (2001) and later maintained contact after he supported her through the death of her husband, Michael Williams.
“Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin — we text,” she said, referring to the actor’s 2023 acquittal in a U.K. sexual assault trial. Spacey was also found not liable in a separate civil suit in New York in 2022 but is expected to face additional civil claims in London next year.
When asked about Weinstein, Dench admitted her feelings were complicated. The disgraced producer, who is currently serving time after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in Los Angeles in 2023, was deeply involved in several of Dench’s most acclaimed projects during his time at Miramax, including Mrs. Brown (1997), Shakespeare in Love (1998), and Philomena (2013).
“I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks, and you think, ‘Well…’” Dench said. “I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience — very fortunately for me. I imagine he’s done his time… I don’t know, to me it’s personal — forgiveness.”
Though Dench acknowledged the “horrifying” nature of the allegations when they first surfaced, she has also previously expressed sadness that the professional legacies of both Weinstein and Spacey may be overshadowed by their crimes.
Weinstein, who has maintained his innocence, responded to Dench’s remarks in a statement released through his representative. “I have always been fond of Judi Dench. She is an extraordinary person who played an important role in my career,” he said. “I’ve now spent more than six and a half years incarcerated, including a year and a half in Rikers, which counts as double time. I am here for something I did not do, and many of the claims against me are being shown to be untrue or unsupported.”
He added, “I am grateful for the kind words that have been expressed, and all I want is the chance to return to my family and children.”
Dench’s comments have sparked debate among fans and industry observers, with some praising her compassion and others questioning the timing and tone of her remarks. For the legendary actress, however, it appears to be about personal closure rather than public absolution.
