Julia Stiles Reveals “Slimy” Experience Working with Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein’s Interference Ruined Down to You, Says Stiles.

Julia Stiles has spoken out about her uncomfortable experience working on the 2000 romantic comedy Down to You, placing the blame on disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein. Speaking on Brett Goldstein’s Films to be Buried With podcast, the 10 Things I Hate About You star called the film “one of the worst movies ever made” and revealed that Weinstein hijacked the creative process.

According to Stiles, Down to You had a strong script from first-time director Kris Isacsson, but once Weinstein took control, he demanded unnecessary changes. She claimed the producer tried to capitalize on her past success, particularly her famous dance scenes from 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance, forcing a pointless scene into the movie.

Weinstein Forced Stiles to Film a Dance Scene

Stiles explained that Weinstein insisted she perform a random dance scene, even though it had no relevance to the plot. "Because of the success of Save the Last Dance, or the success of 10 Things I Hate About You, with me dancing on the pool table, he needed to have me dancing in the film," she said.

Calling the demand “dumb” and “cheap”, she admitted she felt “slimy” while filming it. "It was annoying because I was like, 'Well, this is so cheap, and it's not adding to the story.'" Stiles’ comments shed light on how Weinstein not only abused his power behind the scenes but also compromised artistic integrity for his own financial motives.

Weinstein’s Ongoing Legal Battles

Weinstein, 72, is currently detained at Rikers Island, where he awaits retrial on multiple sexual assault charges. He is already serving a 2022 conviction for raping an actress in 2013, but faces new allegations from 2006 and 2013.

In September 2023, prosecutors added an additional charge from a woman who came forward shortly before Weinstein’s first trial but was not included in that case. Despite his denials, his legal troubles continue to mount. Weinstein also suffers from chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes, and heart problems, making his time in prison increasingly difficult.

Weinstein’s Fall from Power and Hollywood Reckoning

Once one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures, Weinstein’s downfall began in 2017, when multiple sexual assault allegations ignited the #MeToo movement. His criminal charges and subsequent conviction shattered his reputation and forced the film industry to reevaluate workplace culture.

His ex-wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, filed for divorce in October 2017, ending their 10-year marriage. Meanwhile, companies and studios distanced themselves from Weinstein, marking a turning point in Hollywood’s approach to misconduct. Despite his first conviction being overturned due to procedural errors, prosecutors remain determined to hold him accountable in the upcoming April 15, 2025, retrial.

A Legacy of Abuse and Industry Manipulation

Julia Stiles’ experience with Weinstein highlights yet another layer of his abuse of power. While his most horrific offenses were his sexual assaults, he also exerted control over film productions, forcing creative decisions that compromised artistic integrity.

With his retrial looming, his legacy remains one of disgrace—not as a Hollywood titan, but as a convicted criminal whose downfall helped spark lasting change in the industry. As actors like Stiles continue to speak out, Weinstein’s influence fades, ensuring that Hollywood moves toward a future where abuses like his are no longer tolerated.