Harvey Weinstein knows his own reputation.
Using an assistant’s phone during a speech at the Aug. 12 L.A. Live preem of “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” Weinstein was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected phone call.
“Great, they gave me a flashlight that rings,” Weinstein said as the young woman rushed on stage. “She’s working for Fox Searchlight tomorrow.” He did, however, assure the audience that it was just “an image joke,” presumably about the producer’s infamous temper.
Originally called “The Butler,” TWC went through a bitter and public fight with the MPAA and Warner Bros. over the film’s name. “I’d also like to thank Warner Bros. and the MPAA for giving us the best title fight since Frazier/Ali,” Weinstein joked, referring to the boxers’ famous 1974 match at Madison Square Garden.
Russell Simmons enjoyed the snacks as Netflix’s Ted Sarandos mingled with guests at the film’s after party at the Ritz Carlton’s WP24 club. Oprah Winfrey posed for pictures with fans, and even tucked one man’s business card into her dress.
