Halle Berry released a statement Friday in response to sexual harassment allegations that were made against her former manager Vincent Cirrincione.
The Washington Post published a story Friday that contained nine women who accused Cirrincione of using his power as “gatekeeper for black actresses” to harass them. The minority actresses alleged that he used Berry’s name, and that of another client, Taraji P Henson, to impress them with his power.
Berry shared her distress of the news in a tweet: “Yesterday I was saddened by the (allegations) against my former manager, Vincent Cirrincione, but today I’m sick after reading the horrifying detailed accounts of his abuse toward 9 women,” she said.
She added: “I’m livid that he used me, and the role model he helped me become, to lure and manipulate innocent, vulnerable women of color for his predatory actions.”
Several of Cirrincione’s accusers said he dangled Berry as a way to entice them into placating him.
“Halle was definitely part of his play, and now Taraji is,” one actress told the newspaper.
Henson, whose agent is Cirrincione’s girlfriend, told the Post she never had an issue with him. She saw him as a “father figure” who helped guide her career. He also, at times, helped her with personal finances like rent and her son’s school tuition.
“He wrote checks and wouldn’t ask for anything in return,“ Henson said in her statement to the Post. ”It wasn’t coming from a creepy place. If anything, it empowered me. Like this man believes in me. I love him for that.”
Berry ended her tweet reminding the victims that she stood with them: “I’m deeply hurt and I want these women and countless others to know I see you. I hear you. You matter. I will fight for you.”