CAP D’ANTIBES, France (Reuters) – Stars, models and the super-rich gathered on the French Riviera on Thursday for a charity dinner considered the most glamorous night of the Cannes Film Festival, but there was one notable absence: Harvey Weinstein.
Until this year, the movie mogul rarely missed the AmfAR dinner, put on by the U.S.-based Foundation For AIDS Research.
Weinstein’s representatives did not comment directly on his absence. But they said he had helped the event collect more than $170 million over the years and would “continue to quietly be supportive and passionate for AmfAR.”
Hollywood Reporter called him the event’s former “driving force,” bringing A-list talent to the dinner where an auction of artwork, fashion and elite experiences raises millions of dollars for AIDS research.
Weinstein was brought down last year by scandal. More than 70 women have accused him of sexual misconduct, including rape, and he has vanished from public view. Weinstein has denied engaging in nonconsensual sex.
The accusations gave rise to the international Me Too movement that sparked the downfall of other prominent men in entertainment and politics.
With super-yachts moored nearby, the party took place as usual in a marquee on the grounds of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, an exclusive hotel on the Cap d’Antibes jutting into the Mediterranean along the coast from Cannes.
71st Cannes Film Festival – The amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS 2018 event – Auction – Antibes, France, May 17, 2018. Guests attend a gala to celebrate the 25-years of raising funds. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
As guests sipped champagne, music was provided by, among others, Sting and Shaggy – performing duets of reggae numbers and The Police hit “Every Breath You Take”.
The auction started with a replica of the Palme d’Or trophy that will be awarded at the film festival on Saturday. Bidding started at 20,000 euros, and it sold for 220,000.
(Excerpt) Read More at: Reuters.com
