Dame Judi Dench, a titan of the stage and screen, recently offered a perspective that has stirred conversation: her belief that Harvey Weinstein has, in a sense, “done his time” and deserves forgiveness. It’s a sentiment rooted, she explained, in the tenets of her Quaker faith, a faith centered on the profound power of absolution.
The question arose during a Radio Times interview, prompting Dench to reflect on both Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, another figure whose career was shadowed by allegations. While Spacey has been legally cleared, Weinstein’s journey through the justice system has been far more turbulent, marked by a conviction overturned and a subsequent retrial.
Dench’s personal experience colors her view. She readily admits to never having witnessed any inappropriate behavior from Weinstein during their extensive professional relationship, spanning films like *Shakespeare in Love*, *Chocolat*, and *Philomena*. She remembers him as “completely charming,” a man she considered a friend.
This isn’t to say she dismissed the accusations that ultimately brought Weinstein down. In 2017, when the initial reports surfaced, Dench publicly condemned his actions as “horrifying,” expressing sympathy for the victims and support for those who bravely came forward. Yet, her stance has evolved, shaped by her deeply held beliefs.
The actress previously defended the artistic merit of films produced by Weinstein, arguing that talent shouldn’t be erased by the transgressions of an individual. She drew a parallel to masterpieces by controversial artists, suggesting that boycotting their work would be a form of cultural self-harm.
The recent legal proceedings, including a mistrial and subsequent conviction on some charges, haven’t diminished her core belief in forgiveness. She acknowledges the pain inflicted by Weinstein, but seems to believe in the possibility of redemption, or at least, the acceptance of a debt paid.
Beyond the complexities of her views on Weinstein and Spacey, Dench also shared a poignant update on her own health. The celebrated actress is grappling with declining eyesight due to age-related macular degeneration, a condition that is steadily stealing her ability to see the world around her.
She describes her vision as being “in a fog,” her eyes often “wet,” a sensation she calls “a crusher.” The loss of independence – the inability to drive, to enjoy simple pleasures like embroidery, reading, or even watching her favorite quiz show, *Mastermind* – weighs heavily on her.
The deterioration is so advanced that she now struggles to recognize faces, even those of close friends and loved ones. A recent interview with Sir Ian McKellen revealed the heartbreaking reality: she can discern his outline, thanks to their long acquaintance, but many others are now lost to her fading vision.
Despite these challenges, Dench maintains a remarkable spirit. She finds solace in her ability to still recall the works of Shakespeare, a testament to the enduring power of art and memory. But even as she cherishes those memories, she admits to a growing fear – the fear of “losing the plot” altogether.
