Judi Dench says Harvey Weinstein has "done his time" after conviction

Actress says she supports forgiveness, adding that she remains in contact with Kevin Spacey

Veteran actress Judi Dench has stirred renewed debate by stating she believes Harvey Weinstein has “done his time” following his convictions for rape and sexual assault.

Dench, who worked with Weinstein on films such as Shakespeare in Love, acknowledged the severity of the allegations against him while also expressing her personal view on forgiveness, calling it “personal.”

Dench revealed that she never experienced inappropriate behaviour from Weinstein during their professional relationship. “I knew Harvey, and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience, very fortunately for me,” she said.

Noting a recent sighting of him in prison — walking with two sticks, she added, “I imagine he’s done his time… I don’t know, to me it’s personal. Forgiveness.”

Though she offered what she described as empathy for Weinstein’s victims, Dench’s remarks have reignited conversations around justice and accountability. especially concerning whether time served should translate into public forgiveness or professional rehabilitation.

Critics say that saying someone has “done their time” oversimplifies the long-term trauma of survivors and the broader implications of such crimes. Supporters argue that her comments reflect a personal, complex reckoning with relationships and consequences.

Dench also touched on her views about another controversial figure, Kevin Spacey, noting she remains in contact with him. She emphasised that separating an artist’s work from their personal conduct is a nuanced matter, raising broader questions about how society deals with the legacies of public figures accused or convicted of serious wrongdoing.