Monica Potter alleges Harvey Weinstein gave 'The Cider House Rules' role to Charlize Theron after denying his sexual advances
Monica Potter is the latest actress to come forward with an allegation against Harvey Weinstein. During an interview with Cleveland’s WKYC, Potter — who was a rising star with roles in 1997’s Con Air and 1998’s Patch Adams — said her career was halted after an incident with the disgraced producer.
The 47-year-old Parenthood actress said she was up for a starring role in the 1999 film The Cider House Rules, but was denied the part after refusing Weinstein’s sexual advances.
“I didn’t do something, so therefore I missed out on it,” Potter said. “I’m not saying the person who got it did, I’m just saying I didn’t.”
The role of Candy Kendall ultimately went to Charlize Theron, which helped catapult the Oscar-winning actress to mega-fame.
“So yeah, I missed out on that role because of that hairy pig,” she alleged.
Potter, who hasn’t publicly discussed the allegation before, said she called her father after the altercation — which purportedly wasn’t the only time Weinstein came onto her.
“He tried three times with me,” she stated. “Twice was in New York and once was in London.”
The Wisdom of the Crowd actress noted that she fought back. “I belted him. I flat out belted him,” she recalled, adding, “I really hit him where it hurt.”
Potter, who said she is “so grateful for all the women that stood up” to Weinstein, believes she was a victim of retaliation after rebuffing his advances. Her next lead role came in 2001’s Head Over Heels.
Through a representative, Weinstein is denying Potter’s account: “Mr. Weinstein said that Ms. Potter is fabulous and talented actor for whom he has great respect. The final cast decisions on Cider House was the creative team’s alone. Close to 100 people auditioned and it came down to two people, which is a pretty good position to be in. There has never been anything other than respect and professionalism between Weinstein’s company and Ms. Potter, stemming from The Very Thought of You in 1998, and they have only had a friendly and cordial relationship over the years, and any suggestion or allegation otherwise is simply false.”
Around 100 women have come forward accusing Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault and/or misconduct. He has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex and is awaiting trial in New York City for sexual assault.
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