Judi Dench says she was 'lucky' to never experience 'that other side' of Harvey Weinstein

Judi Dench has described Harvey Weinstein as being “completely charming” to her throughout their work together, saying she never “experienced that other side” of him.

The 86-year-old acting legend told The Guardian that her working relationship with the disgraced movie mogul was only ever positive.

Read more: Dan Stevens explains Dench response to Cats backlash

Most famously, Weinstein was the driving force behind the Oscar campaign that led Dench to win an Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love, despite the fact she was only on screen for eight minutes as Queen Elizabeth I.

“I worked a lot for Harvey, a huge amount. And he was always completely charming,” she said.

“Perhaps I was lucky, but that’s all I know. I feel very acutely for the people who weren’t so lucky.

Watch: Judi Dench wants nation to “forget Brexit worries” with Blithe Spirit

“He was a friend. He was a perfectly polite and funny and friendly person. I never experienced Harvey in any other way than that.

“I knew nothing untoward about him at all. And nor was I warned. So of course I can judge him. But I never experienced that other side of him at all.”

Read more: Kate Beckinsale reveals Weinstein harassment

Weinstein was dismissed from his company and the Academy after a series of sexual assault allegations emerged from dozens of women.

The 68-year-old was convicted of sexual assault and rape in February 2020 and subsequently sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Dench, meanwhile, is currently promoting her role in the comedy film Blithe Spirit.

The star portrays spiritual medium Madame Arcati in the movie, adapted from the classic Noel Coward play which was previously made for the big screen by David Lean in 1945.

Read more: Leslie Mann wants Blithe Spirit to cheer people up

Dan Stevens plays a crime novelist in desperate need of inspiration who unwittingly summons the ghost of his dead ex-wife (Leslie Mann).

The movie is available to stream now via Sky Cinema.

Watch: Leslie Mann discusses getting into bed with Judi Dench