Even before convicted s*x offender and disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s criminal, predatory behavior sparked the global phenomenon of the #MeToo movement in 2017 that questioned and examined the ubiquity of harassment and assault that women from all walks of life, unfortunately, undergo, the Miramax co-founder earned a reputation of notoriety for being ‘exasperating’ and just overall difficult.
Many who worked alongside him (including those who later admitted to not being privy to the deplorable acts of the producer) mentioned his crass, ill-mannered disposition and unforgiving temper. There were also those subject to one-off occurrences, which revealed to them the despotic, sinister ways of Weinstein prior to the shared collective that rose against him.
Among those who saw this side of him was EGOT winner Barbra Streisand.
While she admitted to not knowing of Harvey Weinstein’s despicable conduct, she recounted a revolting experience she once had with the former film producer.
Barbra Streisand Had A Horrid Experience With Harvey Weinstein, Thought He Was ‘Vulgar’
In an interview with Variety, Barbra Streisand, the Queen of the Divas and one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, discussed the bizarre experience she had with Harvey Weinstein after getting entangled in a dispute at the opening night of his 2014 Broadway production “Finding Neverland.” Branding him as ‘vulgar,’ the Yentl alum revealed what had transpired between her and the notorious former producer:
“I thought he was vulgar. He wanted me to come there on his arm and sing a song on the album. I said, ‘No. I can’t do that.’”
Barbra Streisand then recalled how the refusal, unsurprisingly, rubbed Harvey Weinstein the wrong way. After the 10-time Grammy-winning sensation turned the then-powerful mogul down, the latter resorted to threats. He reportedly warned Streisand that he’d never work with her on future endeavors. He also asserted that he would not send any of his films for screening at her home.
This incident left a lasting impression in Streisand’s mind, as she ultimately concluded of Harvey Weinstein, “That kind of stupidity. So, I thought he was a boorish guy.”
The Funny Girl star, although never having known the extent of Weinstein’s depravity and his felonious activities behind the scenes, was among those subject to the mogul’s ill-mannered, questionable disposition even before a vocal, collective outcry emerged against the Miramax co-founder.
In 2018, Harvey Weinstein was arrested on criminal s*x act charges. Later, on February 24, 2020, a jury convicted Weinstein on two of five felony counts. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. In a later Los Angeles s*xual assault trial, he was found guilty of three of seven charges against him. He was then sentenced to an additional 16 years in prison.
Barbra Streisand Was Recently Honored With A SAG Life Achievement Award
The 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards brought to pop-culture tapestry moments of celebration and reunions that’ll be talked about for ages.
Stars like Cillian Murphy, Lily Gladstone, Pedro Pascal, Ayo Edebiri, and so many more were honored in their respective categories. The reuniting of cast members from Breaking Bad, Modern Family, The Devil Wears Prada, and Lord of the Rings rekindled audiences’ nostalgia.
However, Barbra Streisand’s acceptance of the SAG Life Achievement Award for her six-decade-long, illustrious career was the element of the ceremony that elicited the most emotional response from numerous A-listers—some of whom were moved to tears—and earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
Presenters Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper welcomed the 81-year-old to the stage after paying a moving tribute to the great.
As she stepped in to accept the honor, the crowd stood up, and actresses Anne Hathaway and Hannah Waddingham appeared particularly moved. Her speech, as posted by the official Netflix YouTube Channel, opened with the multi-talented industry powerhouse joking:
“This is such a wonderful award … because you know in advance that you’re going to get it, and you don’t have to sit there and squirm. I remember wondering if you’re going to get it, you’re not going to get it. And if you don’t get it, you … put on such a happy face! ‘I’m so happy to lose!'”
She then expressed her gratitude towards SAG-AFTRA, mentioning her 60-year association with the union as a member. The Hollywood heavyweight moved on to recall her younger years of wanting to be an actress. Streisand then underscored what acting taught her over the years. “It’s really a privilege to be a part of this profession,” she remarked.
The two-time Oscar winner closed her statement by affirming she’s grateful for having shared the ‘magical world’ of cinema with her fellow talents and for the delight she still gets from watching many of them on screen.
Barbra Streisand’s legacy remains an aspiration to the countless who look up to her.
