A top director is coming forward with a claim that two Harvey Weinstein accusers were effectively blacklisted by the film mogul.

Peter Jackson — the Oscar-winning director of the Lord of the Rings triolgy — told the New Zealand outlet Stuff (via Rolling Stone) that the Weinstein-founded studio Miramax discouraged him from hiring Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino.

“I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs,” Jackson said.

The director believes this was a specifically orchestrated backlisting effort by the studio.

“At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us — but in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing,” Jackson said. “I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women — and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list.”

Upon publication of the comments, Sorvino tweeted that she was “heartsick” over the revelation.

Just seeing this after I awoke, I burst out crying. There it is, confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure. Thank you Peter Jackson for being honest. I’m just heartsick https://t.co/ljK9NqICbm — Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) December 15, 2017

And Judd reacted as well:

Peter & Fran had me in – showed me all the creative, the boards, costumes, everything. They asked which if the two roles I preferred, and then I abruptly never heard from hem again. I appreciate the truth coming out. Thank you, Peter. https://t.co/iXKuK6Xqtx — ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) December 15, 2017

[image via Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com]

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