Harvey Weinstein apologizes for sexual harassment with fake Jay-Z quote

Award-winning producer Harvey Weinstein is used to the spotlight, but the New York Times' most recent headline about him is surely not what he was expecting. The newspaper's investigation found that Weinstein was guilty of committing sexual assault on his employees for decades. He has reportedly kept at least eight victims quiet for a timeline spanning three decades by paying them off.

Weinstein's sincere apology

The producer responded to the Times article the same day it was published, apologizing for his actions. He began the letter by explaining that the time he "came of age" was a different culture than today -- that rules and behavior in workplaces were different.

Weinstein says he has learned that things have now changed and has realized that he needs to change as well.

He announced that he has been working with therapists to address the issue and will even take an immediate leave of absence from his company. He continued by saying that he "so respects" all woman and regrets what he has done in the past.

Apology letter inspired by Jay-Z?

Weinstein incorporated Jay-Z lyrics into his apology letter, quoting "I’m not the man I thought I was, and I better be that man for my children," from the song 4:44. He says the same is true for him, and that while he wants a second chance, he knows he must work for it.

Unfortunately, for the famed producer, these lyrics do not appear on the song 4:44 nor do they appear in any Jay-Z song — or any song at all for that matter.

The title track of his new album, 4:44 actually reflects on his unfaithfulness to Beyoncé during their marriage.

On the track, he does reference his children, but Weinstein's quote is not at all close to being accurate. Jay-Z raps, "And if my children knew / I don’t even know what I would do / If they ain’t look at me the same / I would probably die with all the shame."

The two are currently working together on multiple projects, including docuseries about Kalief Browder and America's systemic injustices as well as a feature film about the life of Trayvon Martin.

It is currently unknown whether or not Weinstein's leave will have an impact on these projects. USA Today reached out to Jay-Z's representatives about the use of an incorrect quote in Weinstein's apology letter but has not heard anything back.

According to the New York Times, The Weinstein Company is also investigating the claims of Sexual Harassment while he is on leave.