Hillary Clinton has said she has been 'shocked and appalled' by the allegations levelled against Harvey Weinstein.
The prominent film producer has faced a mounting series of accusations of sexual harassment and abuse from an increasing number of women in the film industry.
Weinstein is well-known as a prominent supporter of Democrats in the US, as well as various progressive causes.
The scandal has prompted several US politicians to return donations Weinstein made, or donate the money to charity.
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had previously issued a brief statement saying she was 'appalled' by the revelations.
Statement from Secretary Clinton on Harvey Weinstein: pic.twitter.com/L1l2wl9l0I
— Nick Merrill (@NickMerrill) October 10, 2017
In an interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, she expanded on the controversy - saying the stories that have emerged are 'heartbreaking'.
She explained: "I was shocked and appalled, because I've known him through politics as many Democrats have. He's been a supporter, and a funder, for all of us... for Obama, for me, for people who've run for office in the United States.
"It was just disgusting, and the stories that have come out are heartbreaking. I really commend the women who have been willing to step forward now and tell their stories."
She added: "I think it's important that we not just focus on him and whatever consequences flow from these stories about his behaviour - but that we recognise this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated anywhere, whether it's in entertainment, politics...
"After all, we have someone admitting to be a sexual assaulter in the Oval Office."
Mrs Clinton appeared to be referring to the leaked video in which Donald Trump was heard saying he could grab women "by the p***y".
She also addressed the accusations that have been directed against her husband and former US president Bill Clinton - saying those issues had been the subject of a 'huge investigation' in the 90s and were therefore 'clearly in the past'.
Mounting allegations
Accusations against Harvey Weinstein have continued to mount in the days since initial reports by The New York Times newspaper and The New Yorker magazine.
Earlier, Amazon Studios chief Roy Price was suspended amid claims he "ignored" allegations Harvey Weinstein raped actress Rose McGowan.
In a series of posts on Twitter, McGowan told Amazon head Jeff Bezos that she warned Price about the Hollywood producer, who has been accused of sexual harassment, assault and rape by a string of stars.
3) @Jeffbezos I forcefully begged studio head to do the right thing. I was ignored. Deal was done. Amazon won a dirty Oscar.
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 12, 2017
Quentin Tarantino, meanwhile, says he is "stunned" and "heartbroken" following the allegations against his friend & supporter of 25 years.
The Pulp Fiction director released a statement through actress Amber Tamblyn, indicating he needed more time to digest the revelations before commenting publicly.
From Quentin Tarantino: pic.twitter.com/jv0VQNrI91
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) October 13, 2017
