Harvey Weinstein ‘told wife Georgina Chapman to leave him in wake of sex abuse allegations’

HARVEY Weinstein says he “encouraged” his British wife to leave him and admits the sexual harassment scandal currently engulfing him has torn apart their marriage.

Fashion designer Georgina Chapman revealed last night she needs time away from her husband following a string of allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

Through a spokesman, Weinstein issued a new statement addressing the breakdown of his 10-year marriage, The Sun reports

“​I support her decision, I am in counselling and perhaps, when I am better, we can rebuild,” the Mail Online reported.

“Over the last week, there has been a lot of pain for my family that I take responsibility for. I sat down with my wife Georgina, who I love more than anything, and we discussed what was best for our family.

“We discussed the possibility of a separation and I encouraged her to do what was in her heart.

“I understand, I love her and I love our children and hopefully, when I am better, I will be in their lives again.”

Chapman, 41, announced their separation last night, saying: “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions.

“I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”

It came hours after superstars Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow claimed ­Harvey Weinstein targeted them early in their careers and he faced bombshell claims he raped three women including Italian actress Asia Argento.

His spokesman said he “unequivocally denies” any allegations of non-consensual sex.

Pulp Fiction producer Weinstein, 65, was also rocked by an NYPD tape recording in which he apparently admits groping a model’s breast in 2015.

Chapman was said to have been “furious and humiliated” by Ambra Battilana’s allegation two years ago, which did not lead to a prosecution.

Just days ago Weinstein said his wife stood “100 per cent behind” him.

Former Head and Shoulders ad model Chapman, 41, is the co-founder of fashion label Marchesa.

She married Weinstein in 2007 and has two children with the movie mogul who was one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures until his fall from grace.

At the same time as Chapman made the announcement that she was leaving her husband, Weinstein flew to Europe by private jet, where he will submit himself to a live-in facility, Tmz reports.

Chapman and Weinstein met in 2003, married in 2007 and are parents to daughter India Pearl, 7, and son Dashiell, 4. She is Weinstein’s second wife.

There are now fears that Marchesa will suffer as a result of its association with now toxic Weinstein.

The Hollywood Reporter quoted a New York fashion publicist as saying: “No star is ever going to want to wear the brand again.”

Over the years it is believed to have benefited from Weinstein’s ability to attract A-list supporters and his friendship with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

A fashion publicist said: “He was the mastermind behind Marchesa — orchestrating deals and using his influence in terms of the celebrity connections for her on behalf of the brand.”

The source added that “they both benefited from the relationship, but she certainly knew about his bad behaviour”.

She also appeared in several Weinstein-backed films, including Derailed and The Nanny Diaries.

This article originally appeared in The Sun