Harvey Weinstein's wife has announced she has left him, describing his behaviour as "unforgivable" amid an escalating number of claims of sexual harassment against the disgraced movie mogul.

British fashion designer Georgina Chapman said her "heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain", as Hollywood stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie joined a growing list of Weinstein's alleged victims.

It comes as Weinstein reportedly flew to Europe by private jet to check into rehab to undergo therapy for sex addiction and "other behavioral issues".

Ms Chapman, 41, broke her six-day silence by telling People magazine she has left the film mogul, whom she married in 2007.

After Weinstein earlier claimed that his wife was standing by him, she said in a statement: "My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions. I have chosen to leave my husband.

"Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time."