Revisiting Why The Obamas Allowed Malia To Intern With Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein recently hired defense attorney Donna Rotunno, a woman known for being critical of the #MeToo Movement to represent him in his long-delayed sexual assault trial. This recent news underscores how Weisntein’s money and prestige allowed him to get away with his alleged behavior for decades.
Even America’s forever president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama – who are considered among the country’s most responsible and doting parents –– allowed their daughter Malia to intern at his company in 2017.
Just weeks before news of Weinstein’s scandal broke, Malia worked at The Weinstein Co., reported Newsweek. According to Vanity Fair, the eldest former first daughter interned at the company during her gap year before attending Harvard. She reportedly read scripts to decide which ones would advance to the bosses, among other duties.
The disgraced Hollywood mogul had been a longtime Democratic supporter and donor and Michelle spoke highly of him at one point in 2013. “This is possible because of Harvey. He is a wonderful human being, a good friend and just a powerhouse,” Michelle said.
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Once the scandal broke, legions of women began to come forward including Lupita N’yongo. The Obamas were initially silent. Perhaps it was due to shock or a realization that a man they once praised could have hurt their daughter.
However, high-profile writer Frank Rich, suggested the Obamas should have known better because the “stories were out there.” Moguldom founder Jamarlin Martin also tweeted that many think you have to “play the game” to be successful in America.
While there is no proof as to whether the Obamas knew about the allegations and turned and blind eye, they did make a statement condemning his actions nearly a week after the news broke.
“Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein. Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status,” the Obamas said. “We should celebrate the courage of women who have come forward to tell these painful stories. And we all need to build a culture – including by empowering our girls and teaching our boys decency and respect – so we can make such behavior less prevalent in the future.”
Weinstein was fired from his namesake company after the numerous allegations, but the repeated delays in his trial leave to question whether he is still getting special treatment due to his money and white privilege. Bill Cosby is certainly sitting in a jail cell.