Let me be clear — there is no way I am making excuses for the likes of Weinstein. He is, allegedly, a predator who preyed on women and wielded his power as a tool to get his own way.
More than 80 woman in the film industry have accused the high-powered American film producer of sexual abuse over the past 30 years.
But you know what — Hollywood stars had alluded to Weinstein's conduct for years but no one bothered to stop him.
Now these same stars have spoken out against his behaviour. I think some have said too little too late.
As I'm sure you know, the accusations resulted in an avalanche of similar claims about high-profile and powerful men around the world, especially it seems in the entertainment industry.
Almost daily someone else's name is in lights for all the wrong reasons.
Good on these women for having the courage to finally stand up and say enough is enough.
However, what we don't want is for the nasty men out there to stop nice men from being nice.
Think about what happened after the Peter Ellis case. In 1993 he was accused and found guilty of sexual offences involving children. He served seven years in prison and still maintains his innocence. I'm not going to get into whether he is guilty. That's not my point. What followed is what worries me.
The case was similar to others in California and many people, including myself, believe it was one of the main reasons today's schools are so devoid of male teachers.
Men didn't want to put themselves in the line of fire, and who could blame them?
Women are pretty clever people — we can pick a creep a mile off. We probably all know one.
A long time ago I was standing in a group of people in a hallway. A man came up behind me and put his hand on my rear. His wife was sitting in front of me so instead of telling him where to go I moved away — I didn't want to cause a scene.
He's a creep. I doubt he was capable of going further but he never got the opportunity with me because I made sure I was never in his company again and I've never heard anything bad about him.
Of course there's a world of difference between my experience and what Weinstein is accused of. He is a creep of the worst kind, nothing like most of the men you and I know.
Men aren't silly, either. They know there are people you can hug and people you can't. There are people you can pat on the back and people you can't. Everybody's personal space is different, we all have our own idea about what is okay and what isn't.
I always think if you have even an inkling the person you are about to touch in a friendly manner gives off the slightest hint of being uncomfortable — stop.
But think on this — what a horrible world it would be without hugs, so all you nice men out there please carry on being nice and hugging your children, partners, grandchildren, brothers, aunties, uncles, grandparents and friends.
• Linda Hall is Hawke's Bay Today assistant editor
