Harvey Weinstein Responds to Julia Stiles’ Claims About On-Set Experience

Harvey Weinstein responds to Julia Stiles’ claim about unwanted dance scene in Down to You.

Harvey Weinstein has addressed Julia Stiles’ recent remarks about feeling uncomfortable with an acting direction he gave during the production of Down to You.

During an appearance on Brett Goldstein’s Films to be Buried With podcast, Stiles, 43, reflected on her experience filming the 2000 romantic comedy alongside Freddie Prinze Jr. The movie, written and directed by Kris Isacsson, was distributed by Miramax, the production company co-founded by Weinstein.

Stiles claimed that Weinstein insisted on adding a dance scene to the film, allegedly attempting to replicate her popular dance moments from 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance. She criticized the addition as “cheap” and unnecessary, saying, “I felt so slimy doing it the whole time.”

Weinstein, who is currently serving a prison sentence for multiple convictions of rape and sexual assault, responded from prison in a statement shared with The Daily Beast. He described Stiles as a “talented and charismatic actress” and defended the scene, arguing that her dancing was something audiences appreciated. He stated the decision was made to “enhance the film’s appeal” and praised her on-screen chemistry with Prinze Jr.

He further cited his past decision to cast Stiles in Silver Linings Playbook as an example of how he sought to elevate projects.

Weinstein has been incarcerated since 2020 following his conviction in New York. In 2023, he received an additional 16-year sentence in Los Angeles. He is currently awaiting a retrial on further charges.