The Republican National Committee (RNC) has released a new ad showing contrasting messages from Democratic leaders expressing support of woman's rights and Harvey Weinstein in recent years, calling out the potential hypocrisy of Democrats if they do not return all donations received from the disgraced filmmaker.
Weinstein, an influential Hollywood producer, had donated large sums of money to Democrats for years. He also held a number of star-studded fundraisers for a Democrats, including Hillary Clinton during her 2016 run, and was a strong supporter of Barrack Obama. Many have called on Democrats to return donations, totaling around $600,000, following allegations that, for years, Weinstein had been sexually harassing women.
The ad starts with Obama and Clinton condemning sexual harassment and sexism before playing a clip of Michelle Obama praising Weinstein, all while pictures of Weinstein with the Obamas and Clinton are shown.
"I want to start by thanking Harvey Weinstein," Michelle Obama said. "He is a wonderful human being, a good friend, and just a powerhouse."
"Barack Obama... Hillary Clinton... DNC... Put your money where your mouth is. Return all of the dirty Harvey Weinstein money," the ad says.
Some Democratic groups have already said they "donated" the Weinstein money elsewhere, when in fact, they have given it to other Democratic Party-affiliated groups.