Seth MacFarlane Explains Friend Jessica Barth Inspired 2013 Oscars Jab Aimed At Harvey Weinstein

Seth MacFarlane is explaining his 2013 Oscars jab at Harvey Weinstein.

SETH MACFARLANE ON 2013 OSCARS HARVEY WEINSTEIN JAB

When MacFarlane hosted the Oscars four years ago and made a joke aimed at the Hollywood producer who is in the midst of a sexual harassment and rape scandal. When announcing the nominees for best supporting actress that year, the host said, “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.”

MacFarlane took to Twitter to reveal that his swipe was motivated by his friend Jessica Barth, who had confided in him that she had an unpleasant run-in with Weinstein. “In 2011, my friend and colleague Jessica Barth, with whom I worked on the Ted films, confided in me regarding her encounter with Harvey Weinstein and his attempted advances,” he wrote on Wednesday. “She has since courageously come forward to speak out. It was with this account in mind that, when I hosted the Oscars in 2013, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a hard swing in his direction. Make no mistake, this came from a place of loathing and anger.”

MacFarlane joins many celebrities who have spoken out against Weinstein since the chilling exposé detailing decades’ worth of sexual harassment and rape allegations was published by the New York Times. Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, Mark Ruffalo, Seth Rogan, Brie Larson, George Clooney, Patricia Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jennifer Lawrence are just some of the stars who spoke against the producer.

“There is nothing more abhorrent and indefensible than abuse of power such as this,” he continued. “I respect and applaud my friend Jessica and those sharing their stories for their decision to come forward, and for being champions of the truth.”

Weinstein has since lost his job and his wife over the allegations and accounts. He was fired from the Weinstein Company, suspended by BAFTA, and had his $5 million endowment rejected by USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Ironically, the money was going to grant scholarships to female directors.