LA City Attorney Urges Workplace Sexual Harassment Victims To Come Forward

LOS ANGELES, CA — In response to the allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer Tuesday urged victims of workplace sexual harassment and abuse to come forward.

"The Weinstein allegations have placed a bright spotlight on sexual harassment and sexual abuse, especially in the workplace. As brave victims come forward, others have been encouraged to do the same," Feuer said. "And our nation must now confront these significant issues in a profound way."

Feuer praised the Los Angeles Police Department for encouraging any possible victims of Weinstein to report what happened.

"We take allegations like these very seriously, and where the facts support conviction, we will prosecute. I'm very pleased that LAPD recently issued a call for alleged victims to come forward so LAPD can investigate," Feuer said. "Please come forward so that your cases -- and justice -- can be pursued."

Feuer also praised the alleged Weinstein victims who have spoken publicly.

"From our prosecutions in this area, I know it takes tremendous courage for women and men to share often intimate details of sexual harassment or abuse. We know this is not just a Hollywood thing -- it's a workplace thing, arising all too often in virtually every industry," Feuer said.

He added, "Indeed, while most people don't work in the entertainment industry, victims of sexual harassment and abuse share many of the very same concerns we've heard about in recent days: Will my job be on the line if I say something? Will I be publicly humiliated? Will anyone believe me -- and will anyone stand up for me? I am here to say we will."

City News Service; Photo courtesy of the City Of Los Angeles