Judi Dench has an unpopular opinion about Harvey Weinstein.
The “Notes on a Scandal” actress, 90, defended the disgraced movie producer, 73, following his rape and sexual assault convictions in a new interview with the Radio Times.
“I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks and you think, ‘Well …’ I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience — very fortunately for me,” Dench stated.
Judi Dench and Harvey Weinstein at a New York screening of “Mrs. Henderson Presents” on Nov. 28, 2005. Getty Images
Judi Dench and Harvey Weinstein at a New York screening of “Mrs. Henderson Presents” on Nov. 28, 2005. Getty ImagesAfter acknowledging she has empathy for Weinstein’s victims, Dench said, “I imagine he’s done his time.”
“I don’t know, to me it’s personal — forgiveness,” the Oscar winner added.
The Post has reached out to Dench’s rep for comment.
Judi Dench. SWNSWeinstein was exiled from Hollywood after he was accused of sexual assault at the start of the #MeToo movement in 2017.
The former mogul is currently behind bars, having been convicted on three charges of rape and assault and sentenced to 16 years in 2023 in a Los Angeles court.
Harvey Weinstein in court this year. Steven HirschDench worked with Weinstein on a number of movies, including “Shakespeare in Love” (1998), “Chocolat” (2000), “My Week With Marilyn” (2011), “Philomena” (2013) and “Tulip Fever,” which came out in September 2017, a month before Weinstein’s crimes were reported in multiple exposés.
The “Belfast” actress called Weinstein “completely charming” in 2021.
“I worked a lot for Harvey, a huge amount, and he was always completely charming,” she told the Guardian. “Perhaps I was lucky, but that’s all I know. I feel very acutely for the people who weren’t so lucky.”
Judi Dench in “Shakespeare in Love.” ©Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection
Judi Dench and Steve Coogan in “Philomena.” ©Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett CollectionDench also said at the time that she didn’t feel like she “misjudged” Weinstein, whom she called a “friend.”
“He was a perfectly polite and funny and friendly person. I never experienced Harvey in any other way than that,” she explained. “I knew nothing untoward about him at all. And nor was I warned. So of course I can judge him. But I never experienced that other side of him at all.”
In 2017, Dench called the initial allegations against Weinstein “horrifying.”
“Whilst there is no doubt that Harvey Weinstein has helped and championed my film career for the past 20 years, I was completely unaware of these offenses, which are, of course, horrifying, and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered and wholehearted support to those who have spoken out,” she said.
Harvey Weinstein in court this year. Steven HirschTwo years later, the “Skyfall” actress spoke out against boycotting Weinstein’s movies.
“Are we just not going to see all those films that Harvey produced?” she said. “You cannot deny somebody a talent.”
During the new Radio Times interview, Dench confirmed that she’s still in touch with Kevin Spacey, who was also accused of sexual assault in 2017.
Dame Judi Dench attends the launch of the 200th Burlington Christmas at Burlington Arcade on Nov. 12, 2019. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Burlington Arcade
Kevin Spacey in Italy on Sept. 21, 2025. BACKGRIDThe “House of Cards” actor was charged with nine counts of sexual abuse, but was acquitted in an English court in July 2023.
“Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin. We text,” Dench shared.






