Amid reports about the Weinstein Company’s supposed imminent shutdown—in the wake of multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment against co-founder Harvey Weinstein—his brother/CEO Bob has released a statement to assure everyone that Paddington 2 and War with Grandpa will be fine.
In a piece published on Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Weinstein Co. “is exploring a sale or shutdown and is unlikely to continue as an independent entity, a person close to the company said,” which might spark worries that Paddington 2 and War with Grandpa might be in jeopardy. But you can relax, according to Bob, who insists via a statement that Weinstein Co. will be operating regularly:
Our banks, partners and shareholders are fully supportive of our company and it is untrue that the company or board is exploring a sale or shutdown of the company. Polaroid is moving forward as planned with a release date of November 22 followed by Paddington 2 on January 12. The first Paddington grossed over $75 million and we expect even greater success for Paddington 2. Test screening scores are through the roof. War with Grandpa starring Robert De Niro is scheduled for February 23, 2018. Business is continuing as usual as the company moves ahead.
In the meantime, people like Judd Apatow are calling for Weinstein Co. to disappear. While hosting a Power of Women luncheon for Variety in Los Angeles today, Apatow told a room full of industry attendees, “Who gives a shit? Shut it down, shut it down. We have enough Project Runway.”