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Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — Halle Berry is speaking out after her former manager was accused by nine women of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment, saying she’s “saddened” and “livid.”
Vincent Cirrincione faces accusations published by the Washington Post on Friday that he pressured women for sexual favors or engaged in sexual misconduct against them in exchange for his helping the actresses, all women of color, succeed in Hollywood.
One actress claimed in the Post story that the manager said he would take her on as a client only if he was able to have sex with her monthly; another claimed he masturbated in front of her in his office.
According to the allegations in the Post story, Cirrincione, who is white, would often use the name of Berry, who is African American, and later that of another African-American client, Taraji P. Henson, as a way of luring the women. Eight of the women making accusations are African-American, and one Asian, according to the Post.
Berry took to Twitter on Friday evening, writing: “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.”
“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,” she continued.
Berry concluded, “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.”
She also said in a statement to the Post that she ended her professional relationship with Cirrincione more than three years ago after hearing about a misconduct allegation against him.
Meanwhile, Henson spoke positively to the Post of her relationship with Cirrincione, her one-time producing partner, saying, “I’ve never had any issue with this on any level.”
The Proud Mary star added, “He totally respected me.”
Henson claimed that at times during her working relationship with Cirrincione, he would help her pay rent and costs associated with raising her son as a single mother.
ABC News reached out to Cirrincione, Berry and Henson but didn’t immediately hear back.
Cirrincione in a statement to the Post denied asking for sexual favors in exchange for helping actresses’ careers.
“We live in a time where men are being confronted with a very real opportunity to take responsibility for their actions. I support this movement wholeheartedly. I have had female clients and employees my entire career in this industry. I have built a reputation for advancing the careers of women of color,” Cirrincione began.
“I have had affairs while in committed relationships, ones I am now ashamed to say are coming to light and shading my past and my reputation. I can say without a doubt that I have never used favors, sexual or otherwise, as a reason for managing anyone. I want to make it clear that not one of those relationships were anything but consensual.
Cirrincione concluded, “I take responsibility for my part in the situation and I am not here to diminish anyone’s feelings or experiences. I apologize to these women, my past and present partner, my clients and employees for the pain this is bringing them. I was under the impression I was living my life as a supportive man to women. It is with a heavy heart that I see now I was wrong.”
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