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 Until this year, the movie mogul rarely missed the AmfAR dinner,
put on by the U.S.-based Foundation For AIDS Research.
Weinstein's representatives did not comment directly on his
absence. But they said he had helped the event collect more than
$170 million over the years and would "continue to quietly be
supportive and passionate for AmfAR."
Hollywood Reporter called him the event's former "driving
force," bringing A-list talent to the dinner where an auction of
artwork, fashion and elite experiences raises millions of
dollars for AIDS research.
Weinstein was brought down last year by scandal. More than 70
women have accused him of sexual misconduct, including rape, and
he has vanished from public view. Weinstein has denied engaging
in nonconsensual sex.
The accusations gave rise to the international Me Too movement
that sparked the downfall of other prominent men in
entertainment and politics.
The AIDS fundraiser faced "a critical test for its viability,"
Hollywood Reporter said in an article, suggesting it had become
tainted by the scandal due to Weinstein's former involvement.
With super-yachts moored nearby, the party took place as usual
in a marquee on the grounds of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, an
exclusive hotel on the Cap d'Antibes jutting into the
Mediterranean along the coast from Cannes.
Asked whether the event had been damaged by the Weinstein
scandal, guests said that must not be allowed to happen.
"You're going to literally sacrifice raising money for AIDS
victims in the name of some dude and his bad habits?" said
American actress Michelle Rodriguez.
Socialite Paris Hilton applauded the increased awareness of
women's rights since the scandal broke:
"I just have so much respect for so many of the women, and
everyone, really sticking together and coming together to really
make a big statement. And, a lot of people are not going to be
taken advantage of ever again because people are making a huge
difference right now."
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As guests sipped champagne, music was provided by, among others,
Sting and Shaggy - performing duets of reggae numbers and The Police
hit "Every Breath You Take".
"Tonight’s event is going to be just as exciting and entertaining as
always while raising critical funds for AIDS Research," amfAR said
ahead of the event.
The auction started with a replica of the Palme d'Or trophy that
will be awarded at the film festival on Saturday. Bidding started at
20,000 euros, and it sold for 220,000.
An array of 31 haute couture dresses fetched 1.3 million euros.
Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan looked amazed as bids mounted
for a painting he had done of Bob Dylan. At 1.2 million pounds, the
portrait sold for more than double the price of a sculpture by Ai
Weiwei, "Iron Root," which raised 550,000 euros.
Included in the price was a lunch with Brosnan - in London, New York
or Los Angeles.
Stars have often in the past offered themselves for auction. Last
year David Beckham raised 350,000 euros ($415,000) for a chance to
play soccer with him.
Another year George Clooney auctioned a kiss for $350,000 and, in
2008, Weinstein joked he might put himself up for bids, but added:
"No one would pay for me".
(Reporting by Robin Pomeroy; Editing by Cynthia Osterman; Editing by
Alison Williams, Andrew Heavens and Cynthia Osterman)
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