Brie Larson, Rose McGowan and Judd Apatow are some of the Hollywood stars speaking out in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations made against US film mogul Harvey Weinstein.

The 65-year-old producer released a statement to apologise for his past behaviour, and announce his plans to 'take a leave of absence' and seek help from therapists.

But he has disputed a New York Times report that claimed he harassed female employees over nearly three decades. He has also previously denied many of the claims and has not been charged with any crimes.

Elizabeth Olsen, Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman at the after-party for Wind River, August 2017pinterest
Getty Images
Elizabeth Olsen, Harvey Weinstein and his wife Georgina Chapman at the after-party for Wind River, August 2017

The newspaper has alleged that he has reached at least eight settlements with women.

Oscar-winning actress Larson - who starred as a sexual abuse survivor in the critically-acclaimed film Short Term 12 - showed her support for victims of sexual abuse and harassment with the tweet: 'As always, I stand with the brave survivors of sexual assault and harassment. It's not your fault.'

Rose McGowan, who reached a settlement with Weinstein in 1997 - which, according to the agreement, was not given out as an admission of guilt, but to 'avoid litigation and buy peace', which was reviewed by The Times - tweeted: 'Anyone who does business with __ is complicit.

xView full post on X

'And deep down you know you are even dirtier. Cleanse yourselves.'

She added: 'Women fight on. And to the men out there, stand up. We need you as allies. #bebrave.'

Girls and Love executive producer Judd Apatow commented on Weinstein remarking that he began in the film industry in the '60s and '70s, 'when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different'.

'The 70's [sic] were 37 years ago,' Apatow tweeted . 'You are blaming growing up in the 70's?

'You haven't picked up anything since then?'

Actress Amber Tamblyn tweeted: 'Heed the mantra and never forget: Women. Have. Nothing. To. Gain. And. Everything. To Lose. By. Coming. forward.'

Meanwhile, Weinstein's lawyer Lisa Bloom added that the producer 'denies many of the accusations as patently false'.

Weinstein's full statement issued to the New York Times read: 'I came of age in the 60's and 70's, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different. That was the culture then.

'I have since learned it's not an excuse, in the office - or out of it. To anyone. I realised some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed.

'I appreciate the way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologise for it.

Harvey Weinstein | ELLE UKpinterest
Getty Images
Weinstein and Chapman at the 2017 amfAR Gala

'Though I'm trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go. That is my commitment. My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons.'

He continued: 'I've brought on therapists and I plan to take a leave of absence from my company and to deal with this issue head on. I so respect all women and regret what happened.

'I hope that my actions will speak louder than words and that one day we will all be able to earn their trust and sit down together with Lisa (lawyer, Lisa Bloom) to learn more.'

Headshot of Naomi Gordon
Naomi Gordon

Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.