Charlize Theron cited in Harvey Weinstein’s ‘threesome proposal’

A 40-year-old model has testified that the producer mentioned the Benoni-born actress and Salma Hayek while trying to persuade her to have a threesome.

At 24, Dawn Dunning was an actress with ambitions to crack the Hollywood scene. She is one of the witnesses who have testified at Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s trial which is underway in the United States (US). 

The Independent reports that she met Harvey Weinstein while she was a waitress at a Manhattan nightclub, in New York. Weinstein has produced blockbuster films, such as the Kill Bill series (2003), Goodwill Hunting (1997), Django Unchained (2012) and The Lord of the Rings (2001) trilogy. 

Weinstein: ‘Proposal with conditions‘

After their initial meeting, Weinstein invited Dunning to a cigar bar where he gave her a proposal to appear in three of his films on condition that she would have a threesome with his assistant.

While discussing his proposal, Weinstein mentioned Oscar-winning actress Theron and acclaimed actress Hayek in what is understood was a way to convince Dunning that she too could have a successful career in Hollywood. 

“I was wearing a skirt that day and he put his hand up my skirt. There was no red flags or alerts that would make me expect it to happen.

“I stood up. I was in shock. He just started talking really fast. He said, ‘Don’t make a big deal about this. It will never happen again’,” said Dunning. 

Theron has previously spoken out against Weinstein. She worked with him on The Cider House Rules (1999), Reindeer Games (2000) and The Yards (2000).  

Charlize Theron voices support

While she was not one of his alleged victims, she issued a statement in 2017 in support of the slew of women who had come forward to tell of their experiences with Weinstein.

“This culture has always existed, not just in Hollywood but across the world. And many men in positions of power have gotten away with it for far too long. We cannot blame the victims here.

“A lot of these women are young, just starting out in their respective fields, and have absolutely no way to stand up to a man with so much influence much greater than theirs. If they speak up, they are shut down and that could be the end of their career.

“This is all a positive step forward in changing that culture, and these young women need to know that they have a support system should anything like this happen to them. And I want you all to know I support you,” she wrote.

Oscar nod for ‘Bombshell’

Theron is also plays the lead role in Bombshell for which she has scored a best actress Academy Award nomination. 

The film chronicles a string of sexual harassment claims made by several women against their former boss Roger Ailes who worked for Fox News. She stars alongside Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie.  

Weinstein trial and alleged victims

Weinstein is currently on trial for allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2006 and raping another woman in 2013.

Famous actresses who have claimed Weinstein was sexually inappropriate towards them, include:

• Angelina Jolie – says she had a ‘bad experience with him’
• Gwyneth Paltrow – sexual advances were made towards her 
• Rose McGowan – allegedly raped in 1997 and paid $100 000 for her silence 
• Salma Hayek – sexually harassed while working on Frida in the 200s
• Lupita Nyong’o – says Weinstein propositioned her several times

View the full list of victims here. 

US prosecutors aim to prove that Weinstein’s alleged predatory behaviour has seen about 100 women become victims at his hands over a period of 30 years. The allegations range from sexual advances, groping, inappropriately exposing himself, rape and forcibly performing sexual acts.

The renowned producer has denied allegations and is refuting all the accusations made against him.