Oliver Stone issues defense of Harvey Weinstein — but recants after facing backlash, accusations

Director Oliver Stone on Friday seemingly defended movie producer Harvey Weinstein against the sexual harassment allegations, but when he received backlash for his comments, he immediately withdrew his support.

What were his initial comments?

Stone, speaking at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, was asked to discuss the controversy surrounding Weinstein and his company.

"I’m a believer that you wait until this thing gets to trial," Stone began. "I believe a man shouldn’t be condemned by a vigilante system."

He added, "It’s not easy what he’s going through, either."

"I never did business with him and I didn’t really know him," Stone continued. "I’ve heard horror stories on everyone in the business. So, I’m not going to comment on gossip. I’ll wait and see, which is the right thing to do."

What kind of backlash did he receive?

Leading the pack in social media criticism against Stone was former Playboy Playmate Carrie Stevens, who responded to the Weinstein scandal with a scathing statement of her own.

Stevens on Twitter wrote, "When I heard about Harvey, I recalled Oliver walking past me & grabbing my boob as he walked out the front door of a party. Two of a kind!"

When I heard about Harvey, I recalled Oliver walking past me & grabbing my boob as he walked out the front door of a party. Two of a kind!

— Carrie Stevens (@CarrieStevensXO) October 13, 2017

The model told the New York Daily News that the incident occurred over 20 years ago.

"He was really cocky, had this big grin on his face like he was going to get away with something," she said, and added that the "Platoon" director "reached out and ... honked it like a horn."

Stevens described Stone as "an immature guy in elementary school who snaps your bra."

"That's what's going on in Hollywood," she added. "That's why things have to change. He's Oliver Stone. Nobody's going to say anything."

What was Stone's response to the backlash?

Stone, in an updated statement, revealed that his position on the Weinstein scandal had changed, saying that he was "appalled."

"I’ve been traveling for the last couple of days and wasn’t aware of all the women who came out to support the original story in the New York Times," he said.

"After looking at what has been reported in many publications over the last couple of days," Stone continued,"I’m appalled and commend the courage of the women who’ve stepped forward to report sexual abuse or rape."

He concluded by noting that he will no longer be involved with the production of Showtime's upcoming "Guantanamo" TV series as long as the Weinstein Company is involved.