Carney Shegerian, trial lawyer and founder of the Los Angeles-based employment discrimination firm Shegerian & Associates, released a statement regarding the sexual assault and harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Over a dozen women in the entertainment industry have accused Mr. Weinstein of making unwanted sexual advances, and three women have alleged that the movie producer raped them.

“Harvey Weinstein is known as one of the most powerful and influential figures in Hollywood,” Shegerian says. “He has won numerous awards, been praised by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, and made millions producing box office hits.”

“It is absolutely despicable that Mr. Weinstein used his position of power to take advantage of and force himself upon young women who were just trying to make a name for themselves in the industry,” Shegerian continues. “The victims were then put in the unenviable position of having to choose between staying silent or potentially damaging their careers.”

“It takes a great deal of courage to speak out against someone that holds so much power in such a competitive industry, so these women should be applauded for their bravery,” Shegerian states. “Hopefully, the women that have come forward inspire other victims across the country to do the same.”