Mira Sorvino is 'heartsick' over Asia Argento charges, 'hoping against hope' they're false

Erin Jensen | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Weinstein accuser Asia Argento allegedly paid off sex assault accuser Prominent Harvey Weinstein accuser and MeToo advocate, Asia Argento, allegedly paid off a young actor who accused her of sexually assaulting him.

Mira Sorvino says she is "reeling" and "heartsick" over the report her fellow #MeToo advocate and Harvey Weinstein accuser, Asia Argento, gave hush money to former child actor, Jimmy Bennett, who accused her of sexual misconduct.

Sorvino explained her delayed reaction on Twitter Tuesday night, writing she'd just returned "from several weeks abroad." She also added she was "hoping against hope" that the report was erroneous.

“I have been heartsick over the recent allegations against Asia Argento," she said in a statement shared via screenshot. "Time will clarify things and perhaps she will be exonerated, but if true, there is no lens that makes it better.

"Child sexual assault is a heinous crime and is against all that I and the #MeToo movement stands for," she continued. "I remain dedicated to fight for all victims and change the culture that encourages abuse of power in sexual relationships.”

Having just touched down from several weeks abroad, I am reeling from the recent news. Although hoping against hope that it is not true, here are my current thoughts: pic.twitter.com/8oOF3LmHLQ — Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) August 22, 2018

Sorvino joins Rose McGowan, who also shared her thoughts on the social media site. "I got to know Asia Argento ten months ago," McGowan, who accuses Weinstein of rape, tweeted Monday. "Our commonality is the shared pain of being assaulted by Harvey Weinstein. My heart is broken. I will continue my work on behalf of victims everywhere."

Bennett, who was 17 at the time of the alleged encounter, claims that he was assaulted by Argento in a California hotel in 2013, when the actress was 37. (The age of consent in California is 18.) Bennett’s lawyer notified Argento last November of his intention to sue for $3.5 million for emotional distress, lost wages, assault and battery – a month after she went public with her allegations against Weinstein. The Italian actress agreed to pay him $380,000.

Argento "strongly" denied the allegations in a statement shared to Twitter by journalist Yashar Ali. She said the two "never had any sexual relationship" and that her late boyfriend Anthony Bourdain, who committed suicide in June, helped arrange to pay Bennett. According to Argento's statement Bourdain, considered her accuser "dangerous" but decided Bennett's need for money was worthy of compassion.

Contributing: Kim Willis, Maria Puente

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