Franklin Graham: Harvey Weinstein Sexual Harassment Scandal a Sad Reminder 'Our National is in Moral Decline'

Harvey Weinstein
Last week, the New York Times alleged that film mogul Harvey Weinstein has been sexually harassing women "for decades." Getty Images

Evangelist Franklin Graham has said the sexual harassment allegations brought against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein "sadden" him and are a sobering reminder that "our nation is in the moral decline."

On Facebook, the CEO of Samaritan's Purse said that some on the right are "expressing joy, almost glee" that the sexual exploits of Weinstein, a known liberal, are in the news.

"Some feel vindicated after the alleged allegations of misconduct of people on the right, like Roger Ailes and Bill O'Reilly," he said.

However, the scandal makes him feel anything but joyful, Graham said.

"I am saddened that our nation is in the moral decline that it is," he said. "The human heart-whether the person is on the right or the left-without Christ, we're all the same. The Bible tells us that the human heart is 'desperately wicked; who can know it.' What many people may call wrong or a mistake, the Bible calls sin and is clear that we are all guilty of sin."

Sin, Graham warned, has consequences.

"The Bible warns us that the penalty of sin is death," the evangelist said. "The Bible also warns us, 'Be sure your sin will find you out.' But God offered a sacrifice for sin, once for all-His Son, Jesus Christ, who went to the Cross for us. Everyone needs to examine their own heart. God will forgive anyone, if we truly repent and put our faith and trust in His Son."

As of Wednesday morning, at least 25 women have publicly described inappropriate conduct by Weinstein that spanned three decades.

Three women told The New Yorker, in an investigation published Tuesday, that the Hollywood mogul sexually assaulted them, and a number of actresses, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, told the New York Times that he sexually harassed them.

The Weinstein Company fired him and said it was "shocked and dismayed" by the "allegations of extreme sexual misconduct and sex assault" which came as "an utter surprise to the board." Weinstein's wife, designer Georgina Chapman, has said she is leaving him as a result of the allegations.

According to the BBC, Weinstein was a big donor to the Democratic party under former President Barack Obama's leadership, and the Obamas' eldest daughter Malia worked as an intern at The Weinstein Company in New York earlier this year.

In a statement, the Obamas said they were "disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein" and added that they "celebrate the courage of women who have come forward".

Weinstein also donated to Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, and one fundraiser at his  home in 2013 brought in more than $2 million.

On Twitter, Clinton said she was "shocked and appalled" by the revelations and said such behavior "cannot be tolerated."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.