Many top Democrats have denounced disgraced media mogul and Democratic donor Harvey Weinstein since allegations of sexual harassment were revealed, but two of the top names in the Democratic Party have remained silent: former President Barack Obama and two-time presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
When CNN reached out to representatives for Obama and Clinton, both declined to comment on the allegations, which were revealed by the New York Times last week.
One CNN reporter, Oliver Darcy, tweeted Monday afternoon about having asked Clinton's spokesperson for comment on Weinstein. The response? "Total silence."
I have asked Hillary Clinton's spox over last few days about Harvey Weinstein.
Total silence.https://t.co/eqWLXyVObq
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) October 9, 2017
CNN Anchor Erin Burnett slammed Clinton on Tuesday for her silence, saying Clinton was giving Weinstein a "pass" that she did not give to women who did not vote for her.
Weinstein is a longtime Clinton donor who served as a liaison between Hollywood stars and Clinton's 2016 campaign, and attended a "thank you" donor party after the election. Clinton personally headlined multiple fundraisers Weinstein helped organize during the campaign.
During Clinton's tenure as secretary of state, Weinstein exchanged emails with the Clintons. In one, Weinstein makes movie recommendations and mentions how he had "such fond memories" of the Clintons watching Shakespeare in Love.
Obama has also had close connections to Weinstein. The media mogul visited the White House several times during Obama's presidency. Michelle Obama credited Weinstein for making a student film event happen, and praised him as "a wonderful person, a good friend, and just a powerhouse."
Obama's daughter, Malia, interned for Harvey Weinstein in 2017.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, who made combatting sexual assault one of his major causes as vice president, has not made any public comments about Weinstein and did not respond to CNN for comment.
The silence from top Democrats has drawn the anger of some liberals since the allegations came to light last week.
Privately, longtime Clinton aides have questioned why she hasn't weighed in on the matter that has caused many Hollywood stars and Democrats to denounce the powerful figure, according to CNN.
On MSNBC, Monday, "Daily Show" co-creator and liberal activist Lizz Winstead expressed her disappointment in the absent responses from Democratic political leaders, including Obama and Clinton.
Also on Monday, liberal pundit and former Democratic House candidate Krystal Ball called out Clinton, saying on Twitter she was making Democrats all "look like hypocrites."
The New York Times published a scathing editorial on Friday titled "Harvey Weinstein's Money Shouldn't Buy Democrats' Silence."
In contrast, some liberals and left-leaning media have hesitated to speak out in the midst of the allegations. Democratic strategist Maria Cardona said on Monday that Clinton "has earned the right to talk about what she damn well pleases, when she damn well pleases."
Saturday Night Live followed the lead of the majority of late night comedians in the initial days of the news, and avoided bringing up Weinstein during Saturday night's show. The ladies of "The View," Monday, said to "give it a minute," and allow people time to asses the situation.