The Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein faces a series of previously undisclosed allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact stretching back nearly three decades, according to a New York Times investigation published on Thursday afternoon.

During that time period, Mr. Weinstein has settled at least eight times with women, including actresses and assistants, according to two company officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Soon after the article was published, the actress and writer Lena Dunham applauded the women who came forward.