The Democratic National Committee announced Friday that it is still holding onto most of the money it received from Hollywood mogul and alleged sexual harasser Harvey Weinstein.
The DNC will donate just ten percent of the almost $300,000 received from Weinstein, money that will go to organizations close to the Democratic Party: EMILY’s List, Emerge America, and Higher Heights, all of which predominately help Democratic candidates running for office.
"The DNC's response to the Harvey Weinstein matter is shockingly bad — even by Washington standards," Alexandra Smith of the conservative opposition research firm America Rising said. "'Donating' a mere 10 percent of the entire Weinstein contribution to another left-leaning political action committee is a complete embarrassment."
The mission statement of EMILY’s List is: "We elect pro-choice Democratic women to office." Emerge America adds ethnic diversity to that same basic mission, proclaiming its intent "to increase the number of Democratic women leaders." Higher Heights goal is to help black women get elected; the Center for Responsive Politics notes that it gives exclusively to Democrats.
Some Democratic politicians are donating money received from Weinstein to nonprofits helping victims of sexual violence, while others have remained silent on the matter. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) announced he would donate his Weinstein money to "several charities supporting women" following a Washington Free Beacon report about Democrats’ inaction.
On Twitter, critics took aim at the DNC’s actions.
This is like moving money from your savings account to your checking account. pic.twitter.com/P2HzDWMnHR
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) October 6, 2017
So they are boldly donating Weinstein money to...help elect more Democrats? https://t.co/pHjGjRyTT8
— Doug Heye (@DougHeye) October 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/LoganDobson/status/916392474502881280
The DNC maintains that it opposes sexual harassment and finds the Weinstein report "troubling."
"The allegations in the New York Times report are deeply troubling," DNC communications director Xochitl Hinojosa told The Hill. "The Democratic party condemns all forms of sexual harassment and assault."
Weinstein himself has touted his liberal beliefs in response to the revelations. The report has already been damaging his career and reputation, although he has retained support from some, including lawyer and advisor Lisa Bloom.