‘Allegations of sexual misconduct putting careers in jeopardy without evidence’

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FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2017 file photo, Jeremy Piven participates in the "Wisdom of the Crowd" panel during the CBS Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour at CBS Studio Center in Beverly Hills, Calif. Piven has responded to another allegation of sexual misconduct against him by saying he hopes the string sexual harassment allegations sweeping Hollywood will lead to “a constructive dialogue on these issues.” Piven made the statement on Twitter while denying an accusation made against him from an advertising executive. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood actor and producer Jeremy Piven said Friday the recent whirlpool of allegations of sexual misconduct against notable names in various fields are putting careers in “jeopardy without a hearing, due process or evidence”.

Back in October, Ariane Bellamar — Piven’s co-actress on Entourage — had accused Piven of groping her twice, once on the set and once “at the mansion” and forcefully touching her in an inappropriate manner when she tried leaving.

CBS, which Piven is currently working (Wisdom of the Crowd) with, had said it was “looking into the matter”.

After the third woman stepped up with allegations against him, Piven — known for big names such as EntourageSerendipity, and Cars — issued a statement via Instagram, saying, “I hope we can give people the benefit of a doubt before we rush to judgement.”

“Continuing to tear each other down and destroy careers based on mere allegations is not productive on any level. I hope we can use this moment to begin a constructive dialogue on these issues, which are real and need to be addressed.”

The producer also said he was ready to take the polygraph test to prove his innocence, calling the claims “absolutely false and completely fabricated”.