A+E Networks Rescinds Project Runway Deal Over Harvey Weinstein Allegations

Project Runway, which recently aired its 16th season, has survived the ins and outs of reality TV a remarkably long time, but it looks as if the show’s connection to Harvey Weinstein’s disgraced legacy could put an end to that.

Variety reported on Wednesday that A+E Networks reneged on its deal with The Weinstein Company to air two more seasons of the fashion design competition, in light of the copious allegations against Weinstein and, likely, TWC’s financial insolvency. TWC owns Project Runway, plus the show’s spinoffs, Project Runway All Stars and Project Runway: Junior

A filing submitted Tuesday as part of TWC’s bankruptcy proceedings revealed that the network unilaterally rescinded the deal on January 10, getting itself out of the agreement by arguing that Weinstein’s conduct constituted a breach of contract. The filing asserts that “Many of Mr. Weinstein’s victims implicated The Weinstein Co. and TWC Board, alleging that TWC knew of Mr. Weinstein’s misconduct, yet knowingly or negligently allowed it to continue.”

In addition to wriggling out of its two-season Project Runway deal, A+E also nullified its licensing agreement for a Project Runway movie.

A Los Angeles Times report from October alleged that Weinstein used Project Runway as a “pipeline to women.” For the piece, several women stated that Weinstein “used his fashion business ties and ownership of Project Runway as enticements or pretexts for meetings.”