Dame Judi Dench: Hollywood sex scandal 'hard' as some accused are 'great friends'

Dame Judi Dench has told Sky News she finds the controversy engulfing Hollywood "very hard" because many of the people accused are "great friends".

Speaking at the Murder On The Orient Express premiere in London, she said the situation was "now getting a bit out of hand".

Dame Judi said: "It is scandalous but it's very hard when a lot of people concerned are great friends of yours."

She added: "I feel loyal to them and at the same time I feel appalled by what has happened to a lot of young actresses who had no way of getting out."

The Oscar winner - who plays Princess Dragomiroff in the murder-mystery - said there was no quick solution to stop harassment by powerful figures, but that people clearly needed to "behave better".

The scandal has grown quickly after the first accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, with the latest claims being made against actors including Kevin Spacey , Jeremy Piven and Dustin Hoffman .

Michelle Pfeiffer told Sky News the controversy had "sent shockwaves through our industry" but that it was good that the problem is no longer hidden.

"The women in my social group - women I've known my entire life - are talking for the first time about things that have happened to them," said Pfeiffer, who plays Caroline Hubbard in the all-star Orient Express movie.

"I think it's very positive what's going on, and I'm also proud of my industry about how quickly they've stepped up to the plate to support the women who have come forward."

Pfeiffer said she had sensed a change in attitudes already and was confident it will continue "for a while to come".

Police in the UK said earlier this week they were now investigating claims of sexual assault made by seven women against Harvey Weinstein .