In an interview with CNN, actress Jane Fonda has admitted she learned of Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct against women last year, and is 'ashamed' she didn't speak up sooner.

Speaking to journalist Christiane Amanpour, the 79-year-old admitted she felt it wasn't her 'place' to reveal the allegations at the time.

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'I found out about Harvey a year ago and I'm ashamed I didn't say anything back then,' she revealed in an interview, scheduled to air Friday 13 October.

When asked by Amanpour why she decided not to speak out, despite the fact she's seen as such a 'bold' woman in Hollywood, the actress admitted: 'I was not that bold. I guess it hadn't happened to me and I didn't feel it was my place.'

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Revealing she was informed of Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment by actress Rosanna Arquette - one of several women who has spoken out against the 65-year-old producer - Fonda added: 'It came as a shock and a great disappointment.'

I guess it hadn't happened to me and I didn't feel it was my place

When questioned whether she's experienced sexual harassment in the film industry, the star admitted: 'It has happened to me, it has. I only met Harvey when I was old, and Harvey goes for young because that's more vulnerable. But it's very, very common.'

Praising the brave women who have come out to speak out about the allegations, Fonda admits: 'I'm glad it's coming out, I'm so proud of those fellow actors that are speaking up. I know that it has taken a long time. It is a very, very, very hard thing to do. You don't get anything out of it as the person who has been victimised but it is important that it come out.

'Let's not think that this is some unique, horrific... this goes on all the time, this male entitlement in Hollywood and everywhere - in offices and businesses all over the world, in bars, in restaurants, in stores women are assaulted, abused, harassed.'

You don't get anything out of it as the person who has been victimised but it is important that it come out.

Fonda's comments comes days after Weinstein was fired from his company following several allegations regarding his alleged sexual harassment of women in Hollywood.

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Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.