Harvey Weinstein Scandal Ruining Sex, Relationships, Says Putin Backed Russian TV Host

A Russian state television anchor backed by Vladimir Putin weighed in on the ongoing sexual assault scandals in Hollywood this week during a segment on his flagship news show. Dmitry Kiselyov, who the Moscow Times called a “top Kremlin propagandist,” discussed Harvey Weinstein and other misconduct allegations Sunday on his show Vesti Nedeli.

Kiselyov was appointed by Putin to run state run media outlet Rossiya Segodnya, according to the Washington Post. His comments often echo the views of Putin’s government.

“I’m categorically against sexual harassment,” Kiselyov said on the show, according to the Moscow Times. “But this campaign, with brutal seriousness, threatens to destroy the humor in people’s relationships … affecting impulsivity, spontaneity and passion.”

Kiselyov apparently also defended Weinstein during the show with a sarcastic comment about one of his accusers, Paz de la Huerta. De la Huerta said she was raped twice on two separate occasions by Weinstein in 2010.

“How dare he [rape her],” Kiselyov said, according to the Moscow Times. “Especially when she invited him a second time?”

The host also discussed the firing of House of Cards star Kevin Spacey after allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct surfaced against the actor.

“There’s no sex in America,” Kiselyov went on. “There’s no human nature, no romantic adventures. Now everything can be seen as dirty harassment.”

It’s not the first time Kiselyov has made controversial comments. The host said in 2013 that gay and lesbian people should have their hearts burned when they die because they are “unsuitable for extending the life of another,” according to the Daily Beast.