Mark Wahlberg's 'Revenge' on Harvey Weinstein Detailed in Agent's Memoir
Ari Emanuel recounts how Wahlberg charged expensive wine to Weinstein's tab after the producer interfered with the film 'The Yards.'
Mark Wahlberg sought a form of revenge against producer Harvey Weinstein for allegedly interfering with the editing of the 2000 crime drama "The Yards," according to Ari Emanuel's new memoir, "Roll the Calls."
Wahlberg, then an emerging actor seeking a breakthrough, was cast in the film alongside Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, Faye Dunaway, and James Caan. Emanuel, Wahlberg's agent, writes in his memoir that "high hopes" were held for the project. However, he described Weinstein as a "d—k" who "starts showing up in the editing room, butting in where he doesn’t belong."
"The Yards" was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received harsh criticism. Wahlberg was reportedly devastated that his performance was diminished by the editing process.
Towards the end of the festival, Wahlberg and Emanuel had dinner in Wahlberg's hotel suite. Wahlberg ordered "many bottles" of a high-end wine, Petrus, and charged them to Weinstein's expense account. "‘Revenge,’ Wahlberg says, raising his glass, and we clink," Emanuel wrote.
Emanuel described Petrus as one of the most expensive wines in the world, with bottles costing approximately $10,000 each.
Weinstein reportedly confronted Emanuel about the charges at a party later that night. Emanuel recounted Weinstein bellowing, "Your client has crossed the line, Ari! Petrus? PETRUS? That s–t cost a f–king fortune!"
According to Emanuel, he responded by telling Weinstein to "step off" and threatened to retaliate if Weinstein touched him again.
A publicist for Weinstein stated that while Weinstein recalled disagreements over films and expenses, he did not specifically remember the incident involving Wahlberg and the wine at Cannes. The publicist also noted that "The Yards" was one of Weinstein's favorite movies and that Wahlberg's performance was excellent, with the film's selection at Cannes being a positive point.
Wahlberg's representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Weinstein is currently serving a prison sentence for rape. Emanuel's memoir, released on September 17, also details his interactions with other prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Larry David, and Donald Trump.