© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Maine Lawmaker Under Investigation For Harvey Weinstein Zoom Background

Maine Legislature via Zoom
/
via AP
This Wednesday, March 24, 2021, screen capture of an open meeting of the Maine Legislature's public taxation hearing shows Rep. Bruce Bickford, R-Auburn, bottom right, in front of a background saying "Harvey Weinstein Charm School Rehab Center."

AUGUSTA, Maine — A Maine legislator who appeared for Zoom meetings twice with a background that made a joking reference to convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein is being investigated by the Legislature’s human resources department.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Ryan Fecteau said Thursday that the investigation will focus on whether Rep. Bruce Bickford’s actions violated the Legislature’s harassment policy.

The image had the words “Harvey Weinstein Charm School Rehab Center.” Bickford quickly changed it both times it was shown.

Bickford apologized and called it inappropriate and in poor taste. But he also told a newspaper that the joke would have been funny “in the private setting with the proper people.”