Sitting in his chair, Harvey Weinstein felt nothing but heartache, cold despair, and a profound sense of betrayal as he stared blankly at Bob Weinstein. This was the person I trusted most. My own brother. The one I handed the entire company to manage. Why did he betray me?
"Cough... cough..."
The pain of betrayal overwhelmed Harvey, and a lump of fury and grief seemed to lodge in his throat, making him cough violently. The coughing was so intense it seemed to sap all his strength, leaving him unable to stand.
"What is he doing now?" David Ellison scoffed as he watched Harvey struggle. "Playing the victim?"
Matthew remained calm. "It doesn't matter what role he tries to play. The outcome of today won't change."
Whether Harvey played the victim, the villain, or something in between, it was irrelevant. The script had been written, and the curtain was closing on him.
Harvey slowly turned his head toward the room's security personnel and Weinstein Company staff, his eyes filled with a desperate plea for help. Surely, someone would stand with him, even if it was just one voice in his favor.
But no one met his gaze. The security guards ignored him, and the employees of Weinstein Company refused even to glance his way.
They've all betrayed me! he thought bitterly. These shameless traitors!
Loneliness and helplessness washed over him as he shifted his gaze to the other side of the room. Elena Boyar from TMZ and Ronan Farrow stood at the forefront, continuing to present damning accusations against him. On the massive screen behind them, yet more recordings and videos played, each piece of evidence driving another nail into Harvey's coffin.
The journalists were first shocked, then composed, documenting everything with their cameras and notebooks. Finally, their shock turned to anger.
Everyone knew Hollywood wasn't a clean place. Behind the glitz and glamour lay a world of darkness. But few had imagined the depths of depravity one of its most powerful figures had sunk to.
Richardson clenched his fists tightly, his anger boiling over. As a seasoned journalist, he thought he'd seen it all. But this? This was depravity at its peak.
This man's true face must be exposed! he vowed silently. Harvey Weinstein deserves to drown in the waves of public outrage, not just in America, but worldwide!
Anyone with a shred of justice in their heart felt the same. At this moment, no one cared about Hollywood's infamous "rules of the game." All they cared about was using their platforms to utterly condemn Harvey Weinstein.
Meryl Streep sat stiffly, her face a mask of deep contemplation. She wondered if she could quietly slip out while no one was paying attention. But she quickly dismissed the thought. Earlier, she'd made the monumental mistake of aligning herself with Harvey Weinstein. If she left now, the journalists would never let her off the hook.
She prided herself on being a champion of women's rights. Running away in a moment when her advocacy was most needed would destroy her carefully curated public image.
What should I do? she thought anxiously.
Meanwhile, Julia Roberts, seated nearby, wore a serious expression, though the corners of her mouth twitched, as if suppressing a laugh.
This is too good, Julia thought. Too perfect.
She couldn't help but admire how thoroughly Matthew Horner had orchestrated Harvey's downfall. Harvey, for all his bluster and self-importance, had been utterly powerless in the face of Matthew's well-planned assault.
In the aftermath, the public and the press wouldn't blame Matthew for anything. On the contrary, his actions aligned perfectly with the principles of feminism and social justice. This would only further elevate his reputation.
As for the industry? Harvey Weinstein had made far too many enemies over the years.
The major studios—the so-called "Big Six"—would likely be popping champagne tonight, thrilled to see Weinstein fall.
Nearby, Matt Damon leaned over to whisper to Ben Affleck. "Don't say a word. Just stay quiet and watch."
Ben Affleck wasn't an idiot. He could see the writing on the wall. Whatever friendship he once had with Harvey Weinstein no longer mattered. "Matt," he whispered back, "let's make sure we never cross Matthew Horner."
"Absolutely," Damon nodded quickly.
Just then, Harvey's gaze landed on them. Both Damon and Affleck instinctively lowered their heads, pretending not to see him.
Seeing his once-loyal allies avoiding his gaze, Harvey felt an even deeper pang of despair. He turned to the front row, where many of his "friends" sat.
George Clooney avoided eye contact. Uma Thurman smirked mockingly. Quentin Tarantino looked like he wanted to step forward but was held back by Samuel L. Jackson.
Not a single one of them is standing up for me, Harvey thought bitterly. Every one of these sycophants has turned their back on me.
Finally, his gaze fell on Meryl Streep. Surely she'll say something, he thought desperately. This is Meryl, who has always relied on me for her Oscar campaigns.
Meryl noticed Harvey looking at her. She offered him a polite nod before leaning forward to turn on her microphone.
Harvey exhaled deeply, a flicker of hope returning to his eyes. At least one person was still on his side.
"Harvey Weinstein," Meryl began, her voice steady and resolute, "was one of the most influential producers in our industry. But his actions, as revealed today, are nothing short of repugnant."
Harvey's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with shock. The breath he had just drawn caught in his throat, leaving him gasping silently.
"These women who have come forward today," Meryl continued, "are incredibly brave. Harvey Weinstein's treatment of these vulnerable, talented young women is unacceptable in any workplace."
The room turned its attention to Meryl. The reporters, many of whom had just heard her defending Harvey minutes earlier, now marveled at her audacity.
So this is what an Oscar-winning actress looks like, they thought. No one switches sides with such skill and conviction.
Meryl went on, her voice rising with righteous indignation. "The trauma these women have endured will stay with them for years. I stand with them, and I fully support exposing Harvey Weinstein's reprehensible behavior."
Her passionate speech was so convincing that anyone watching might have thought she had always been an outspoken critic of Harvey.
Meanwhile, Harvey sat frozen, his face pale, his mind racing. How could she? he thought. This woman, who I've supported and promoted for years... How could she betray me like this?
"Traitor," he muttered weakly, closing his eyes in defeat.
George Clooney, sensing the shift in the room, quickly grabbed a microphone. "I'm disgusted by my past collaborations with Harvey Weinstein," he declared.
As a Hollywood "politician," Clooney knew how to pivot. "Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue not just in Hollywood but around the world. I hope this marks the beginning of real change. I stand with the brave individuals who have spoken out today."
He turned toward the victims. "I stand with all of you."
David Ellison leaned toward Matthew, chuckling. "They're already kicking him while he's down."
"It's only just begun," Matthew replied calmly. "By tomorrow, all of Hollywood will be piling on."
David smirked. "And Meryl? She's mastered the art of double standards."
Before Matthew could respond, they noticed Rose McGowan stepping onto the stage.
Rose walked straight up to Harvey, who remained slumped in his chair, looking utterly defeated.
"Scum!" Rose spat.
Then, without hesitation, she slapped him across the face.
Smack!
A bright red handprint appeared on Harvey's cheek.
Before he could react, Rose struck him again, this time with a backhand slap.
Smack!
As she walked away, she passed by Meryl Streep and muttered loud enough for everyone to hear, "Disgusting hypocrite."
David Ellison stifled a laugh. "Did you plan that too?"
"No," Matthew replied with a slight smile. "I'm not that petty."
As the reporters continued to process what had just happened, the doors to the press room opened once more.
This time, several middle-aged men in suits entered, their demeanor authoritative. Without addressing the audience, they walked straight to Harvey Weinstein.
The man in the lead produced a badge and placed a document on the table in front of Harvey.
"Mr. Harvey Weinstein," he said in a formal tone, "you are under arrest for multiple charges, including rape, sexual harassment, and assault."
The agent listed Harvey's rights, then signaled for his team to take him away.
Harvey offered no resistance as the FBI agents handcuffed him and escorted him out of the room. The once-mighty producer was now nothing more than a broken man.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+100 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]