One-third of the nine-man board at Harvey Weinstein's company have resigned in protest 24-hours after allegations of sexual harassment against the movie mogul threw the firm into chaos.

Scrambling into damage-limitation mode the Weinstein Company also launched an internal probe into the claims against their disgraced co-founder and confirmed the 65-year-old would take an indefinite leave of absence.

And following the incendiary claims from actress Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan has slammed the women of Hollywood for their deafening silence.

Demanding to know where the 'ladies of Hollywood' were on this issue, McGowan - who is believed to have been paid asettlement by Weinstein after an incident in 1997 during the Sundance Film Festival - appeared to attack the mute A-listers.

Indeed, A-list actresses like Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow who have used their fame to encourage and support women and who have worked with Weinstein have said nothing.

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Meryl!: Ashley Judd and the other women revealed they were sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein are getting no public support from Hollywood stars (Meryl Streep and Weinstein above in 2012)

Demand: Rose McGowan took to social media after the allegations against Harvey Weinstein developed on Friday

Prompt: McGowan was responding to a tweet from Melissa Silverstein of Women and Hollywood who singled out the stars she believes have always spoken out including Lena Dunham and Brie Larson

Allies: Rose McGowan made it perfectly clear she felt actresses including Patricia Arquete, Lena Denham and Brie Larson have spoken out - she later included Jessica Chastain in that list

Harvey Weinstein is pictured here leaving his Manhattan home after taking a leave of absence from his own firm

Those same three women have also been more than willing to supply writers and journalists with quotes praising Weinstein over the years and taking about how wonderful he is to work with as an actor.

Kidman's lack of comment is perhaps the most glaring of the three as she just came off an awards season push for her HBO show Big Little Lies in which she repeatedly spoke about the importance of empowering women and supporting victims of abuse.

They are not alone in their silence either, as many other women who have sang the praises of Weinstein while speaking out against harassment also went mute as of Friday afternoon, including: Kate Hudson, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Penelope Cruz, Toni Collette, Minnie Driver and Uma Thurman.

Given the number of lawsuits that the company has settled over the years there is of course a chance that some of these women cannot speak because they signed a NDA or do not want to speak on account of their own personal experiences.

Weinstein had already indicated on Thursday in his written statement in which he acknowledged his behavior in the past had caused 'a lot of pain' that he was taking a leave of absence.

On Friday, four board members including Weinstein's brother Bob, said that it was 'important for him to get professional help' as they confirmed he was leaving the company he co-founded.

They left it unclear how long he would be gone, only saying that the 'next steps depend on Harvey's therapeutic progress, the outcome of the Board's independent investigation and Harvey's own personal decisions'.

Indeed, it has been suggested that it was Bob Weinstein himself who orchestrated the shocking New York Times story which detailed lurid allegations of sexual assault against his brother.

Best of friends: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman (above in May with Weinstein) and Gwyneth Paltrow, who have all won Oscars for starring in Weinstein films, have made no public comment

According to the New York Post a former staff member said, 'Bob's wanted Harvey out for years' and one insider said that 'Bob may even have fed this story' to the Times.

And as the backlash grew, graphic revelations appeared in the HuffPost on Friday evening, claiming that Weinstein cornered a New York reporter and forcibly made her watch him masturbate in front of her.

Lauren Sivan, formerly a Fox News Reporter, claims that when she worked with the cable channel Long Island 12 a decade ago, Weinstein insisted she take a tour with him in Socialista, a club he part-owned.

She claims he took her downstairs to a kitchen and cleared it of staff and then tried to kiss her. When she refused his advance he said, 'Well, can you just stand there and shut up'.

The movie mogul is then alleged to have masturbated in front of her and ejaculated into a nearby flower pot.

Sivan says she was trapped and intimidated and deeply shocked.

Sisterhood: As of Friday afternoon, less than 10 American actresses of note had publicly and directly spoken out against Weinstein or shown support for Judd

Standing strong: Amber Tamblyn (above) issued a call to arms for those too weak to support Judd and speak out

Class act: Brie Larson, who has become one of the most vocal supporters of victims ever since filming the movie 'Room,' announced that she will always stand with the survivors of assault and harassment

Anger: Rose McGowan is pictured in 2007 at the ShoWest Award Ceremony in Vegas in 2007

Resignations: Dirk Ziff (left), Marc Lasry (center) and Tim Sarnoff (right) have all left the Weinstein Company board following allegations against co-founder Harvey Weinstein

There is rampant speculation among 'insiders' that Bob Weinstein (left) leaked details that led to the explosive New York Times story about his brother Harvey's (right) alleged sexual harassment of a number of women. The brothers are seen above in 2007

At the Weinstein Company, the three members of the nine-man board who resigned were named as Dirk Ziff, a billionaire investor, Marc Lasry the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and Tim Sarnoff the president of production services.

They're with her: Paltrow, Hillary Clinton and Weinstein at a 1998 screening

And earlier on Friday in a damning interview, Lisa Bloom, the celebrity lawyer who Weinstein has retained admitted that some of his actions could be described as illegal.

Speaking to George Stephanopoulos on GMA, Bloom replied to a question about her clients actions.

'This is a real pattern over 30 years; this is like textbook sexual harassment,' said Mr. Stephanopoulos.

'It's gross, yeah', replied Bloom.

'It's illegal,' said Stephanopoulos.

'Yes. You know, I agree, said Bloom. She clarified this by saying, 'See, you have to understand, yes, I'm here as his adviser. I’m not defending him in any sexual harassment cases — there aren’t any sexual harassment cases. I’m working with a guy who has behaved badly over the years, who is genuinely remorseful, who says, you know, ‘I have caused a lot of pain.’”

The silence from the women of Hollywood is even more galling as it comes exactly one year after the release of the infamous 'p****gate' tape.

The course language used by the then-presidential hopeful Donald Trump along with his threat of sexual harassment whipped Hollywood into a frenzy at the time, with celebrities speaking about the offense immediately and for days.

However this time, less than 10 American actresses of note have publicly and directly spoken out against Weinstein or shown support for Judd, including: Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Brie Larson, Brooklyn Decker, Patricia Arquette, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Barkin, and Heather Matarazzo.

Victims: Ashley Judd (left in 1997) and Rose McGowan (right in 2004) were revealed to be two of Weinstein's alleged victims by the Times

Others, like Zoe Kazan and Jenny Slate have used retweets to voice their concern, but not come out in their own words at this time.

Barkin made her comments during an exchange with Rosie O'Donnell, revealing in the process that she grew up with Harvey and his brother Bob.

Former New York broadcast anchor Lauren Sivan said Weinstein once masturbated in front of her (Pictured: July 2015)

After Rosie wrote that she believed that allegations Barkin asked her why, and then went on to comment about the fact that Judd had spoken on the record.

'I don't know when she said this but I give Ashley Judd an enormous amount of credit coming forward,' wrote Barkin.

'I know it's not fair for other victims but it is just more loaded coming from a well known successful actress or unfortunately maybe more "newsworthy."'

Rosie also wrote: 'he once called me the c word for defending night shyamalan after we filmed WIDE AWAKE.'

Most vocal of all is Rose McGowan, who received a settlement in 1997 and therefore cannot speak about her experience but has found ways to work around a NDA.

Hollywood has treated McGowan like a pariah ever since she began to speak publicly about being harassed and assaulted early on in her career, which was expected to explode after her screen-stealing debut in 'Scream.'

Weinstein produced that film for Miramax, and it was released the same year that an incident involving the executive and McGowan transpired in a hotel room at the Sundance Film Festival according to The New York Times.

Whatta man: 'Life In Pieces' star Thomas Sadoski, who is married to actress Amanda Seyfried, showed his support of the women who came forward

Top prize: The most encouraging tweet from a member of the Hollywood community came from 'Girls' producer Jenni Konner

Too late now to say sorry: Ellen Barkin is a longtime acquaintance of the Weinsteins, but that did not stop her from speaking out

Model citizen: Brooklyn Decker wasted no time at all on Thursday voicing her support for Judd and problem with the silence from Hollywood stars

McGowan got on social media immediately after that story was released, writing: 'Women fight on. And to the men out there, stand up. We need you as allies. #bebrave'

She later tweeted: 'Anyone who does business with __ is complicit. And deep down you know you are even dirtier. Cleanse yourselves.'

On Wednesday, McGowan also engaged in a Twitter discussion with actress Asia Argento, known for her roles in films such as 'XXX' and 'Marie Antoinette.'

McGowan also wrote on Twitter: 'Women fight on. And to the men out there, stand up. We need you as allies. #bebrave'

'I want to buy the movie rights,' wrote McGowan soon after it was revealed that Weinstein would be the subject of two bombshell exposes, though she did not say she was directly referring to that report.

'I own the movie rights,' replied Argento, who then added: 'It's gonna be the best movie of the last 20 years.'

McGowan responded to that by stating: 'We're gonna lobby for so many Oscars.'

Weinstein had said to the initial report that two stories were soon to be published by scoffing at the notion, stating: 'The story sounds so good, I want to buy the movie rights.'

Kate Hudson loves social media, but has had nothing to say in the wake of the Times story

And while Ms. Kidman and Ms. Streep and Ms. Paltrow may be too busy to help prop up young women who are being harassed by a man in power, there are some young men in the industry who are also jumping in to support these victims.

It should be noted that unlike those three aforementioned women, these men have never won an Oscar for starring in one of Weinstein's films.

'Life In Pieces' star Thomas Sadoski, who is married to actress Amanda Seyfried, showed his support of the women who came forward by writing: 'The courage to do what they have done in the face of the threats they are undoubtedly getting cannot be dismissed.'

Anthony Bourdain, who is rumored to be dating Asia Argento, took on those who have kept quiet.

'Nauseating, chicken-hearted enablers all,' wrote Bourdain.

Bourdain, the host of Parts Unknown on CNN, made the statment in a Friday tweet

He quickly followed that up by clarifying his intended target, stating: 'I’m not talking about his victims. I’m talking about everyone else who knew and said nothing. Who are still staying silent.'

And 'Mindy Project' actor Ike Baranholtz simply stated: 'This is disgusting. Thanks to @AshleyJudd and the others who are speaking out about this.'

The most encouraging tweet from a member of the Hollywood community came from 'Girls' producer Jenni Konner, who said on Thursday: 'Who are the agents/managers that sent their clients to meet with him when this was a well known “secret”? Them nxt.'

Harass a nice day: Weinstein bid farewell to his newly hired attorney Lisa Bloom on Thursday (above)

Georgina Chapman was seen leaving her Manhattan home on Friday morning, marking the first time she has been seen in public since her husband's decades of sexual harassment were revealed on Thursday.

The Marchesa designer appeared morose but did manage to flash a smirk as she made her way out of the $15million townhouse she shares with Harvey Weinstein an hour after her husband headed off to work.

Weinstein exited the home on Friday carrying some papers under his arm and flashing a big smile as he made his way to the waiting SUV outside, with his trip to the office coming less than 24 hours after he informed the Times that he was taking a leave of absence.

The embattled Hollywood heavyweight appeared surprisingly upbeat and chipper, especially given the fact that his board will be voting on Friday afternoon on whether or not to cut all ties to the founder and namesake of the company.

He is also facing new allegations of improper conduct, with British actress Jessica Hynes taking to Twitter on Friday and writing: 'I was offered a film role at 19, Harvey Weinstein came on board and wanted me to screen test in a bikini. I refused & lost the job.'

She then added: 'I'm sure there are many more...'

Hynes, who earlier in her career went by Jessica Stevenson, in now 44 and has starred in the two most recent 'Bridget Jones' films as well as number of theatrical productions, being nominated for a Tony in 2009 for her role in 'The Norman Conquests' on Broadway.

Harvey Weinstein leaves his New York family home with security the day after explosive claims of sexual harassment were made against him

Her claim is remarkably similar to a blind item that has been floating around for over a decade, and is well known to many in Hollywood.

Writer and comedian Jack Howard noted that, replying to Hynes: 'Holy s*** I knew the story but I didn't know who it was about.'

Hynes did not reveal what the film was, but it would have been around 1991 or 1992 when Weinstein was beginning his ascent up the ranks in the movie industry while working in London.

It was also in 1991 when he allegedly sexually harassed the first of his many alleged victims who came forward to speak with the Times on the record about his behavior.

Laura Madden said that she was asked by Weinstein to give him massages while he was staying at hotels in Dublin and London at that time.

'It was so manipulative,' said Madden.

'You constantly question yourself — am I the one who is the problem?'

Easy breezey: Georgina Chapman, 42, stepped out of her $15 million townhouse in the West Village of Manhattan on Friday at around 9.30am on her way out of the city (above)

These $1050 Valentino rockstud leather sandals were made for walking: Chapman was off to work on her upcoming bridal presentation, which she is showing in appointments and will present next week

Chapman, 41, did not comment on any of the claims on her way out of the home, heading straight off to her atelier ahead of her label's bridal presentation next week.

She stayed similarly silent on social media Thursday, opting to post photos of her bridal line rather than address the bombshell report in the Times, which will soon be followed by at least one more story in the New Yorker.

Weinstein played a big role in Chapman's ascent in the fashion world, as the well-connected executive facilitated the relationships between his wife and stars like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock.

Chapman may have been a bit down on Friday, but her sartorial selections were, as usual, picture perfect.

The British-born designer paired $1,045 Valentino heels and a purse from the Italian brand with a jean jacket and skirt.

Chapman then added a pop of color with her silk blouse and a $1500 Gucci bow belt with pearl accents.

She kept her eyes hidden however behind a large pair of $500 Dior Diorama sunglasses, while her hair looked as if it has been perfectly blown out and styled on Thursday.

It was revealed on Thursday that Weinstein once allegedly asked Ashley Judd if she would like to watch him shower during a meeting in his room at the Peninsula Beverly Hills and paid $100,000 to Rose McGowan for an unknown incident shortly after she filmed her breakthrough role in the film 'Scream.'

That settlement is one of eight that Weinstein has reportedly paid out over the past 30 years, with Italian model Ambra Battilana also getting an undisclosed sum in 2015 after accusing the Hollywood executive of groping her and putting his hand under her skirt.

It was also inside his room at the Peninsula Beverly Hills where Weinstein allegedly stripped naked and forced a female employee to give a massage.

Weinstein did not deny any of the explosive claims uncovered by the Times, saying: 'I appreciate the way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though I'm trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.'

He added that he is now taking a leave of absence from the company to 'deal with this issue head on.'

More stories: Tony-nominated British actress Jessica Hynes said on Friday that she was once fired from a film when she refused to do a screen test in a bikini

Tough to stomach: 'I was with a bunch of other actors, and it was critical that it was actors: The exact same thing had happened to them by the exact same mogul,' wrote Judd in 2015

Judd recounted her encounter with Weinstein, saying she was doing night shoots for her 1997 film 'Kiss the Girls' when she got an invite to meet with Weinsten that she could not pass up.

She said she felt uncomfortable from the start and ordered cereal from room service because it would arrive quicker than a hot meal.

Judd said she was asked to give Weinstein a massage and then a shoulder rub, both of which she declined while trying to get herself out of the room.

That is when he allegedly asked her to help him pick out his clothes for the day and then watch him shower.

'I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask,' said Judd.

'It was all this bargaining, this coercive bargaining.'

She eventually made her escape by joking that Weinstein would have to help her win an Oscar before she would be willing to touch him, stating that the prestige of working for his studio made it too difficult to forcefully shut down his harassment.

'There's a lot on the line, the cachet that came with Miramax,' explained Judd.

Judd previously wrote about the same experience in 2015 for Variety without naming Weinstein, simply saying it was a studio mogul.

'I was with a bunch of other actors, and it was critical that it was actors: The exact same thing had happened to them by the exact same mogul,' wrote Judd.

'Only when we were sitting around talking about it did we realize our experiences were identical. There was a mutual strengthening and fortification of our resolve.'

She later wrote in that piece: 'The ultimate thing when I was weaseling out of everything else was, "Will you watch me take a shower?" And all the other women, sitting around this table with me, said, "Oh my god—that's what he said to me too."'