Gwyneth Paltrow's mother has defended her against criticism of the actress for continuing to work with Harvey Weinstein after he allegedly sexually harassed her.

Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner

The 45-year-old actress recently came forward to reveal the disgraced producer had made unwanted advances towards her when she was 22, but she went on to make a number of other movies with him afterwards, including her Oscar-winning 'Shakespeare in Love'.

And now Blythe Danner, 71, has spoken out to defend her famous daughter after columnist Maureen Dowd slammed Gwyneth for having "put aside her qualms to become 'the first lady of Miramax.' "

Blythe wrote in a letter to the New York Times newspaper: "Gwyneth did not 'put aside her qualms to become 'the first lady of Miramax" back then, as Ms. Dowd would have it. She continued to hold her own and insist that Mr. Weinstein treat her with respect."

The 'I'll See You in My Dreams' actress went on to tell how the 'Mortdecai' star's late father, Bruce Paltrow, taught her to "stand up for herself".

She added: "Bruce received the first Diversity Award from the Directors Guild for helping women and minorities in our business. His daughter wasn't the only woman he taught to fight for herself.

"I suggest that the pundits stop casting aspersions on the women who have confronted unwanted sexual advances in the manner each sees fit and concentrate on the constructive ways to prevent this behavior in the future."

Blythe's letter came after Gwyneth recently thanked the women of Hollywood for supporting her after she spoke out.

She said: "It's really wonderful to be in a room with so many women who are making a difference and supporting the causes that mean the most to them.

"As everybody said, it's especially timely right now. I feel very honoured to be amongst you all and very honoured, after many decades in this industry, to feel the support and coming together of everybody in this industry this week. So thank you very much."

Gwyneth had previously alleged she was harassed by Harvey at the age of 22 when she was hired to star in 'Emma'. Harvey allegedly placed his hands on the blonde beauty's shoulders and suggested they head to the bedroom for massages.

She said: "I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified."

The star claims she refused his alleged advances and told her then-boyfriend Brad Pitt, who confronted the producer, and Harvey later asked Gwyneth not to tell anyone what had happened.

She added: "I thought he was going to fire me."

Since a string of allegations were made against Harvey, he has been fired from The Weinstein Company and his wife of 10 years, Georgina Chapman, decided to leave him. He is now said to be seeking treatment in a rehab facility in the US.

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