Harvey Weinstein has described himself as the "forgotten man" and said no one remembers what he did for female filmmakers.

The disgraced movie producer - due to go on trial next month - said his work had been "forgotten" since he was accused of rape and sexual assault.

But a group of his accusers hit back, saying he is trying to "gaslight society" and will be remembered as an "unrepentant abuser".

Image: Harvey Weinstein used a Zimmer frame when he attended a bail hearing last week

Gaslighting is when someone is made to question their own memory, perception, and sanity.

In an interview with the New York Post, Weinstein said: "I feel like the forgotten man.''


He added: "I made more movies directed by women and about women than any filmmaker.

"And I'm talking about 30 years ago. I'm not talking about now when it's vogue. I did it first! I pioneered it!

Image: Rose McGowan and other accusers said Weinstein was 'gaslighting society again'

"It all got eviscerated because of what happened. My work has been forgotten.''

He also said his company "took social issues and tackled them".

Speaking about his career, he said: "I made a success out of myself. I had no money, and I built quite an empire with Miramax and decided to give back."

He was speaking in a New York hospital after undergoing what he described as a "major operation" on his back.

He released a picture of himself sitting beside a walking frame to counter accusations that he was overstating his ailment after being seen with the device outside court last week.

October 2019: Woman confronts Harvey Weinstein in bar

The group of 23 women, including Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd and Rosanna Arquette, said: "Harvey Weinstein is trying to gaslight society again. He says in a new interview he doesn't want to be forgotten. Well, he won't be.

"He will be remembered as a sexual predator and an unrepentant abuser who took everything and deserves nothing.

"He will be remembered by the collective will of countless women who stood up and said: 'Enough.' We refuse to let this predator rewrite his legacy of abuse."

Last week, The Weinstein Company's creditors agreed a $25m (£19m) settlement for more than two dozen actresses and former employees who claim Weinstein sexually harassed them.

In addition, his bail was increased from $1m (£750,000) to $5m (£3.7m), following allegations that he violated bail conditions by mishandling his electronic ankle monitor.

He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.