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Channing Tatum has quit an upcoming film project with The Weinstein Company in the wake of co-founder Harvey Weinstein’s sexual harassment scandal.
In a statement posted on Facebook overnight, Tatum announced that he and producing partner Reid Carolin would walk away from their upcoming project Forgive Me Leonard Peacock, a film which tackles sexual abuse.
Tatum was set to co-produce, co-direct and likely play a lead role in the movie.
“The brave women who had the courage to stand up and speak their truth about Harvey Weinstein are true heroes to us,” the Magic Mike star wrote.
“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.”
Tatum, who is married to Jenna Dewan-Tatum with whom he shares four-year-old daughter Everly, said Hollywood needs to ride the momentum of the Weinstein scandal and stamp out sexual harassment, abuse and intimidation.
“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.”
After being fired from The Weinstein Company last week in the wake of decades of allegations of sexual abuse, Harvey also resigned from TWC’s board this week.
TWC has been accused of covering up and enabling the co-founder’s predatory behaviour, which has seen him accused of raping at least three women and harassing and abusing dozens more, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie.
