Channing Tatum is halting production with The Weinstein Company on the movie Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock — in what would have been his co-directorial debut — after more than 30 women accused producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault.
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is a novel by Matthew Quick, and it focuses on a 17-year-old boy who plans to shoot his ex-best friend, and then himself, on his birthday. The book delves into dark subject matter, including experiences of sexual abuse.
READ MORE: Bob Weinstein, brother to Harvey, accused of sexual harassment
Tatum was to co-direct with Reid Carolin, who wrote and produced hit movie Magic Mike.
WATCH: Daniel Radcliffe praises women who have come forward over Harvey Weinstein
In a joint statement released on Instagram Wednesday, Tatum and Carolin announced that they were no longer continuing the project with TWC.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZa5_HB4WD/
“The brave women who had the courage to stand up and speak their truth about Harvey Weinstein are true heroes to us,” reads the statement. “They are lifting the heavy bricks to build the equitable world we all deserve to live in.
“Our lone project in development with TWC — Matthew Quick’s brilliant book, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock — is a story about a boy whose life was torn asunder by sexual abuse,” he continued. “While we will no longer develop it or anything else that is property of TWC, we are reminded of its powerful message of healing in the wake of tragedy. This is a giant opportunity for real positive change that we proudly commit ourselves to. The truth is out — let’s finish what our incredible colleagues started and eliminate abuse from our creative culture once and for all.”
READ MORE: Harvey Weinstein speaks out on sexual harassment accusations: ‘We all make mistakes’
Weinstein is no longer with the company that bears his name, and most projects with his name on it are being scrapped. Weinstein’s executive-producing credit has also been removed from all TWC-produced TV shows.
WATCH BELOW: TWC on the verge of being sold off after sex-abuse scandal
Weinstein, through a representative, has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.
TWC previously released the movie adaptation of another Quick novel, Silver Linings Playbook.
Comments