Introduction
In 2017, journalist Ronan Farrow embarked on what seemed like a routine investigation into Hollywood's "casting couch" culture for NBC News. Little did he know that this would lead him down a rabbit hole of lies, intimidation, and conspiracy as he uncovered one of the biggest scandals in the entertainment industry - the decades of sexual abuse perpetrated by powerful movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
"Catch and Kill" is Farrow's gripping first-hand account of his year-long investigation into Weinstein's predatory behavior and the elaborate system that allowed it to continue unchecked for so long. It's a story of brave women speaking truth to power, of a journalist's determination to expose wrongdoing in the face of intense opposition, and of the shadowy network of lawyers, private investigators, and media allies that worked to silence victims and kill negative stories.
As Farrow dug deeper, he found himself in the crosshairs of not just Weinstein, but also his own employer NBC, which seemed determined to shut down his reporting. What emerges is a chilling portrait of how wealth and power can be wielded to cover up crimes, manipulate the media, and evade accountability.
But it's also an inspiring tale of how dogged reporting and courageous sources can ultimately bring even the mightiest figures to justice. Farrow's investigation, along with reporting by the New York Times, helped spark the #MeToo movement and a global reckoning with sexual harassment and abuse.
"Catch and Kill" takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most important news stories of the decade, revealing the difficult and dangerous work of investigative journalism. It's a reminder of the vital importance of a free press willing to stand up to power and give voice to the voiceless.
The Access Hollywood Tape and NBC's Reluctance
The story begins in October 2016, when the Washington Post published a leaked recording of presidential candidate Donald Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women. The tape was from a 2005 segment for NBC's Access Hollywood show. While most media outlets rushed to cover this bombshell story, NBC seemed oddly reluctant to report on it fully.
There were two main issues complicating NBC's response:
The tape captured not just Trump's lewd comments, but also Access Hollywood host Billy Bush enthusiastically agreeing with them. NBC had recently promoted Bush and was reluctant to implicate him.
Questions arose about how long NBC had possessed the tape without reporting on it. While executives claimed it was still under legal review, this wasn't true - NBC's lawyers had already cleared it for release.
This incident was an early sign of NBC's discomfort with reporting on sexual misconduct allegations, especially those that hit close to home. It foreshadowed the network's later reluctance to pursue the Weinstein story.
Around this same time, Ronan Farrow was working on an investigative segment about sexual assault on college campuses for NBC's Today show. However, his superiors kept blocking it from airing. When Farrow asked his producer Rich McHugh if NBC seemed afraid of broadcasting sexual assault stories, McHugh bluntly replied "Yes."
This reluctance to tackle stories of sexual abuse, even as the issue was becoming a major national conversation, set the stage for the challenges Farrow would face in reporting on Weinstein.
The First Threads of the Weinstein Story
In early 2017, as the #MeToo movement was gaining steam, actress Rose McGowan took to Twitter to share her experience of being raped by a powerful studio executive. While she didn't name him directly, it was clear to many in Hollywood that she was referring to Harvey Weinstein.
Farrow, who was working on a series called "The Dark Side of Hollywood," saw an opportunity to investigate these allegations. His boss at NBC, Noah Oppenheim, suggested reaching out to McGowan - a decision he would later regret.
As Farrow began digging, he quickly realized the scope of what he was uncovering. Rumors of Weinstein's predatory behavior had circulated for decades, but fear and a complex system of payoffs, legal threats, and career retaliation had kept victims silent.
Harvey Weinstein was one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood. As co-founder of Miramax and The Weinstein Company, he had produced countless critically acclaimed films and was credited with over 300 Oscar nominations. His influence extended far beyond the entertainment industry into politics and media.
But there was a dark side to Weinstein that many in Hollywood knew about but few dared to confront publicly. He was known for his volatile temper and bullying behavior. More disturbingly, rumors of sexual harassment and assault had followed him for over 20 years.
Previous attempts by journalists to report on these allegations had all failed to make it to print or broadcast. Weinstein had perfected a playbook for silencing accusers and killing stories:
- Forcing victims to sign strict non-disclosure agreements
- Offering financial settlements in exchange for silence
- Threatening lawsuits against both accusers and media outlets
- Using his connections to pressure editors and executives
- Deploying private investigators to dig up dirt on accusers
This formidable apparatus of legal, financial, and media manipulation had successfully shielded Weinstein from accountability for years. But as Farrow would discover, the dam was about to break.
Building Trust with Sources
One of Farrow's first breakthroughs came when he secured an interview with Rose McGowan. His own family history helped him gain her trust - Farrow had previously written an op-ed supporting his sister Dylan's allegations of sexual abuse against their father, Woody Allen. This demonstrated to McGowan that Farrow was willing to believe victims and challenge powerful men in Hollywood.
In their recorded interview, McGowan detailed her alleged rape by Weinstein at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival. She described being lured to his hotel room for what she thought was a business meeting, only to be assaulted. Afterwards, she was pressured by her own representatives to accept a $100,000 settlement and sign a non-disclosure agreement.
While this was a significant testimony, McGowan was still reluctant to name Weinstein on camera, instead urging viewers to "connect the dots." Farrow knew he would need more concrete evidence and on-the-record sources to build a publishable story.
Another crucial development came when Farrow obtained an audio recording from a 2015 NYPD sting operation. It captured Weinstein admitting to groping model Ambra Gutierrez and pressuring her to come to his hotel room, saying "I'm used to that" when she expressed discomfort.
This tape was smoking gun evidence of Weinstein's predatory behavior. However, using it presented legal challenges, as Gutierrez had signed an NDA as part of a settlement with Weinstein. To maintain plausible deniability, Farrow had to secretly record the audio from Gutierrez's device rather than obtaining the file directly.
As Farrow's investigation progressed, word inevitably reached Weinstein. The producer's team of lawyers and PR specialists swung into action, reaching out to Farrow and NBC executives to try to kill the story before it could see the light of day.
Mounting Evidence and Growing Pressure
By mid-2017, Farrow had assembled a compelling case against Weinstein:
- Rose McGowan's on-camera interview alleging rape
- The NYPD recording of Weinstein admitting to groping
- An interview with former Weinstein Company employee Emily Nestor detailing harassment
- Emails showing Weinstein Company executives were aware of his behavior
Farrow and his producer Rich McHugh crafted a tightly written script laying out the evidence. They felt confident they had more than enough to go to air with a bombshell report.
However, when they presented their findings to NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, they were met with skepticism and resistance. Oppenheim questioned whether the story was newsworthy and if the public even cared about Weinstein. He overruled NBC's own legal counsel and investigative unit chief, who had approved the story for broadcast.
Instead, Oppenheim ordered Farrow to "pause" all reporting and contact with sources. This seriously undermined the investigation's momentum. Rose McGowan, spooked by the delay, canceled a planned follow-up interview where she might have named Weinstein on camera.
Behind the scenes, Weinstein was in frequent contact with senior NBC executives, including news chairman Andrew Lack. While the full content of these calls remains unclear, former Weinstein Company employees later reported hearing their boss boast that he had gotten NBC to "kill this fucking story."
By August, it became clear that NBC had no intention of airing Farrow's report. Oppenheim gave a series of increasingly flimsy justifications, including potential conflicts of interest due to Farrow's family history. Ultimately, he told Farrow he could take the story to a print outlet, but could no longer pursue it as an NBC reporter.
This was a crushing blow after months of difficult and dangerous reporting work. But Farrow was determined not to let the story die. He began looking for other outlets willing to publish his findings.
The New Yorker Steps In
With NBC unwilling to air his report, Farrow turned to the New Yorker magazine. Editor David Remnick was intrigued by the story but said they would need at least one more on-the-record source before publishing.
Farrow reached out to Ally Canosa, an English producer who had worked with Weinstein for nearly a decade. Like other victims, she had signed an NDA, but was now ready to speak out. In an emotional on-camera interview, Canosa alleged that Weinstein had raped her multiple times between 2010 and 2014.
Her testimony provided crucial corroboration of the pattern of predatory behavior Farrow had uncovered. It also highlighted how Weinstein used his power and influence to keep victims working for him even after assaults, making them vulnerable to repeated abuse.
As the New Yorker prepared to publish, Weinstein's legal team made a last-ditch effort to derail the story. They sent threatening letters claiming the magazine would be liable for "tremendous damages" for breaking NDAs. They also attacked Farrow's credibility, bizarrely claiming he had been "brainwashed" by his sister's allegations against their father.
The New Yorker's lawyer dismissed these threats as baseless. All that remained was to give Weinstein a chance to comment. In a series of rambling phone calls, the producer offered weak defenses and mixed up details about different allegations, further incriminating himself.
On October 10, 2017, the New Yorker published Farrow's explosive report detailing rape and sexual assault allegations against Weinstein from multiple women. It came just days after the New York Times had published its own investigation into Weinstein's history of harassment.
The one-two punch of these stories finally brought Weinstein's decades of abuse into the light. It sparked a global conversation about sexual misconduct and abuse of power that became known as the #MeToo movement.
But even as Weinstein faced a public reckoning, questions remained about why NBC had been so determined to shut down Farrow's reporting. The answers would soon emerge, revealing a culture of harassment and cover-ups within the network itself.
NBC's Culture of Secrecy and Harassment
In late November 2017, just weeks after the Weinstein story broke, NBC fired its star Today show host Matt Lauer following allegations of sexual misconduct. The network's executives claimed to be shocked, saying this was the first they had heard of Lauer's inappropriate behavior.
This came as no surprise to many NBC employees, who had long been aware of Lauer's reputation for harassing female colleagues. There were widespread rumors of more serious misconduct as well. When pressed, NBC executives gave carefully worded denials about having any "formal records" of complaints against Lauer.
In reality, NBC had brokered at least seven non-disclosure agreements with women who alleged misconduct by Lauer, including accusations of sexual assault and rape. The network had cultivated a culture of secrecy around sexual harassment, using NDAs and settlements to keep victims quiet.
This culture of cover-ups extended beyond just Lauer. Other powerful men at NBC, including executives and on-air talent, had also been accused of sexual misconduct over the years. The network consistently prioritized protecting its stars and avoiding scandal over addressing these issues.
This context sheds new light on NBC's reluctance to pursue the Weinstein story. There are indications that Weinstein was aware of the skeletons in NBC's closet and implied he could expose them if the network ran negative coverage of him. While NBC denies being explicitly blackmailed, the threat of mutually assured destruction likely influenced their decision-making.
By shutting down Farrow's reporting, NBC executives may have been trying to avoid drawing attention to their own problematic culture around sexual misconduct. But in doing so, they became complicit in allowing Weinstein's abuse to continue unchecked for months longer.
The revelation of NBC's internal issues highlighted how pervasive the problem of sexual harassment was, extending even to the news organizations tasked with exposing it. It demonstrated the need for sweeping cultural change across industries.
The Weinstein Machine: Spies, Lies and Intimidation
As Farrow continued reporting even after leaving NBC, he became aware of the elaborate lengths Weinstein would go to in order to suppress negative stories and intimidate accusers. The producer employed an army of lawyers, PR specialists, and even private investigators in his efforts to maintain his reputation and power.
One of Weinstein's key allies was David Boies, a prominent attorney who had argued before the Supreme Court in high-profile cases. Boies' firm signed a contract with Black Cube, an investigative agency run by former Israeli intelligence officers, to gather information on accusers and journalists working on the Weinstein story.
These agents used false identities to befriend Weinstein's accusers and reporters, trying to find out what they knew and mislead them. One operative posed as a women's rights advocate to repeatedly meet with actress Rose McGowan, secretly recording their conversations. Others posed as sources to try to obtain information from journalists.
Weinstein also leveraged his connections in the media world to kill unfavorable coverage. He had a particularly close relationship with American Media Inc., publisher of the National Enquirer and other tabloids. When model Ambra Gutierrez went to the police in 2015 accusing Weinstein of groping her, AMI publications ran a series of stories attacking her character and credibility.
This scorched-earth approach to reputation management extended to Weinstein's business practices as well. Former employees described a culture of fear and intimidation at his companies. Those who crossed him or tried to speak out often found their careers derailed through Weinstein's extensive industry connections.
Weinstein's legal team was also highly aggressive in threatening lawsuits against both accusers and media outlets considering running stories about him. The mere prospect of expensive litigation was often enough to make editors and executives think twice about pursuing allegations.
All of this painted a picture of a man who had built an intricate system for evading accountability and silencing critics. It helped explain how Weinstein had managed to avoid exposure for so long despite years of rumors and allegations.
But as more and more women came forward in the wake of the New Yorker and New York Times stories, the facade began to crumble. Weinstein's board of directors fired him from The Weinstein Company. His powerful friends in politics and media began to distance themselves. Criminal investigations were launched in multiple jurisdictions.
The exposure of Weinstein's tactics also shed light on how other powerful men had managed to escape consequences for sexual misconduct. It sparked conversations about the use of NDAs to silence victims and the role of aggressive legal threats in suppressing reporting on sensitive topics.
The Broader Impact: #MeToo and a Cultural Reckoning
The publication of the Weinstein exposés in October 2017 opened the floodgates. Women (and some men) across industries began coming forward with their own stories of sexual harassment and assault by powerful figures. The hashtag #MeToo, originated by activist Tarana Burke years earlier, became a rallying cry and shorthand for this outpouring of long-suppressed trauma and anger.
In the entertainment world, a string of high-profile men faced accusations and consequences, including actors Kevin Spacey and Louis C.K., filmmaker Brett Ratner, and CBS chief Les Moonves. But the movement quickly spread far beyond Hollywood.
In the political realm, several members of Congress resigned or decided not to seek re-election amid harassment allegations. The tech industry grappled with ingrained sexism and misconduct at companies like Uber. Even the hallowed halls of academia and the judiciary were not immune, with prominent professors and judges facing accusations.
The #MeToo movement sparked difficult but necessary conversations about power dynamics, consent, and workplace culture. It shed light on how systems and institutions had long protected abusers while silencing victims. Many companies and organizations were forced to reexamine their policies and practices around sexual harassment.
There was also pushback and debate over the scope and tactics of #MeToo. Some worried about due process and the potential for false accusations. Others argued that the movement was primarily benefiting privileged white women while ignoring the experiences of women of color and low-wage workers.
Despite these tensions, there's no doubt that #MeToo fundamentally shifted the cultural landscape around sexual misconduct. Behaviors that had long been tolerated or swept under the rug were now being called out and condemned. More people felt empowered to speak up about their experiences and demand accountability.
The revelations about Weinstein and the subsequent #MeToo reckoning also cast new light on past allegations that had been dismissed or minimized. The claims of women like Anita Hill, who had accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment years earlier, were re-examined with fresh eyes.
For the media world, the Weinstein story and its aftermath drove home the vital importance of investigative journalism and giving voice to the powerless. It also forced news organizations to confront their own cultures and practices around sexual misconduct.
Aftermath and Reflections
In May 2018, Weinstein was arrested in New York on charges of rape and other sexual offenses. Additional charges would follow in Los Angeles. His trial in New York began in January 2020, resulting in convictions on charges of criminal sexual assault and rape. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
For Farrow, the publication of the Weinstein story was just the beginning. He continued to investigate and report on sexual misconduct by powerful men, including allegations against CBS chief Les Moonves that led to his ouster. Farrow also dug deeper into the question of why NBC had been so reluctant to pursue the Weinstein story, revealing more about the network's own issues with sexual harassment.
The experience of reporting on Weinstein shaped Farrow's views on journalism and power. He saw firsthand how wealth and connections could be leveraged to suppress unfavorable stories and silence accusers. But he also witnessed the courage of sources willing to speak truth to power and the impact that fearless reporting could have.
Farrow's work, along with that of other journalists who pursued the Weinstein story, demonstrated the vital role of a free press in holding the powerful accountable. It showed that even the most seemingly untouchable figures could be brought down when brave sources and determined reporters refused to back down in the face of intimidation and threats.
The Weinstein case also exposed the complicity of many institutions - from Hollywood studios to media companies to law enforcement - in enabling and covering up sexual misconduct. It sparked soul-searching across industries about how to create safer workplaces and more equitable power structures.
For the women who had long suffered in silence, the exposure of Weinstein and the #MeToo movement that followed was vindicating but also reopened old wounds. Many spoke of feeling both empowered and overwhelmed as they watched their private traumas become part of a global conversation.
The revelations forever changed how many viewed beloved cultural figures and institutions. It forced a reckoning with the true cost of the art and entertainment that had been produced in environments rife with abuse and exploitation.
While the Weinstein case represented a watershed moment, the work of confronting sexual abuse and harassment is far from over. Deeply ingrained power structures and cultural attitudes can't be dismantled overnight. But the courage of Weinstein's accusers and the determination of the journalists who told their stories created real, lasting change.
"Catch and Kill" serves as both a gripping journalistic thriller and a sobering examination of how power operates in the shadows. It's a testament to the difficulty and importance of speaking truth to power, and a reminder that real change often comes at a great personal cost to those brave enough to stand up and say "enough."
Lessons and Lingering Questions
Ronan Farrow's account of investigating Harvey Weinstein offers several important lessons:
The power of persistence in journalism: Despite roadblocks and intimidation, Farrow's determination to pursue the story ultimately paid off. It highlights the need for news organizations to support difficult, long-term investigative work.
The importance of believing and protecting sources: Farrow's ability to gain the trust of Weinstein's victims was crucial. It shows how vital it is for journalists to create safe spaces for vulnerable sources to share their stories.
The insidious nature of systemic abuse: Weinstein's behavior was an open secret for years, enabled by a wide network of complicit individuals and institutions. It reveals how power structures can normalize and protect abusive conduct.
The role of NDAs in silencing victims: The widespread use of non-disclosure agreements to cover up misconduct came under scrutiny. It sparked debates about limiting the use of NDAs in sexual harassment cases.
The power of collective action: While individual allegations had been dismissed for years, the combined voices of multiple accusers finally broke through. It showed the strength that comes from victims supporting each other and speaking out together.
The need for institutional change: The Weinstein case exposed failings not just of individuals, but of entire systems and cultures. It highlighted the need for structural reforms in how organizations handle sexual misconduct.
The danger of consolidation in media: NBC's reluctance to pursue the story raised questions about conflicts of interest in large media conglomerates. It underscored the importance of diverse, independent news sources.
However, the Weinstein case and its aftermath also leave us with some difficult questions to grapple with:
How do we balance the need to take accusations seriously with concerns about due process and the presumption of innocence?
What responsibility do those who were aware of misconduct but remained silent bear?
How do we create work environments where people feel safe reporting harassment without fear of retaliation?
What is the appropriate way to view art and media created by those revealed to be abusers?
How do we ensure that the gains of the #MeToo movement extend to all victims, not just those with wealth and fame?
What is the role of rehabilitation and redemption for those who have committed sexual misconduct?
These are complex issues without easy answers. But by continuing to have difficult conversations and pushing for accountability and change, we can work towards creating safer, more equitable spaces for all.
Conclusion
"Catch and Kill" is more than just the story of how Harvey Weinstein was finally exposed after decades of abuse. It's a searing look at the systems of power, money, and influence that allow sexual predators to operate with impunity. Through meticulous reporting and gripping storytelling, Ronan Farrow reveals the elaborate machinery of threats, payoffs, and media manipulation that Weinstein used to silence his victims and quash investigations.
But it's also a story of immense courage - the bravery of the women who came forward to share their traumatic experiences, and the determination of the journalists who refused to let the story die despite intense pressure. It shows how the dogged pursuit of truth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, can ultimately bring about justice and social change.
The book serves as a damning indictment not just of Weinstein, but of the broader culture of complicity that protected him for so long. It forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about power imbalances, the nature of consent, and the true cost of the art and entertainment we consume.
Perhaps most importantly, "Catch and Kill" is a powerful reminder of the vital importance of investigative journalism in a functioning democracy. At a time when the press is under attack and long-form investigative reporting is increasingly rare, Farrow's work demonstrates the real-world impact that fearless journalism can have.
The exposure of Weinstein's crimes helped catalyze the global #MeToo movement, forever changing how we talk about sexual harassment and assault. While there is still much work to be done, the courage of Weinstein's accusers and the journalists who amplified their voices has created lasting change.
"Catch and Kill" is ultimately a story of how truth, no matter how deeply buried, has a way of coming to light. It's a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of bearing witness, and the ability of individuals to stand up to even the most formidable systems of power. In exposing the machinery of silence and complicity, Farrow has helped give voice to the voiceless and shown a path forward for creating a more just world.