Shawn “JAY Z” Carter and Harvey Weinstein were the co-winners of L.A. Press Club’s inaugural Truthteller Award for Contributions to the Public Discourse and Cultural Enlightenment of our Society.
Mr. Carter and Mr. Weinstein received the award for their Spike-TV documentary-series “Time: The Kalief Browder Story.” The show brought to light the story of 16-year-old Browder, who was falsely imprisoned for three years on Rikers Island, mostly in solitary confinement, which led to his suicide. The series helped create changes in the law and the Rikers Island jail complex is on the path to being closed.
The award was given for that specific project and the social good that came out of it. The award was accepted in person by Mr. Browder’s brother Akeem.
In light of recent days’ accusations against Harvey Weinstein, the LAPC has considered rescinding the award to Mr. Weinstein. At an extra board meeting Thursday night, October 12 the board of directors decided to remove Harvey Weinstein’s name from the award.
We have not accepted donations from Mr. Weinstein or his company. Obviously, had we known then what the world knows now, Mr. Weinstein would not have been our honoree. We find the sexual harassment he is accused of abhorrent. And we never think it’s appropriate to try to stifle the media with lawsuits or threats of litigation.
