Sorvino 'heartsick' over Argento allegations

Los Angeles: Actor Mira Sorvino says she is "heartsick" over allegations that Asia Argento sexually assaulted a young male actor and secretly paid him off.

Sorvino, like Argento, was one of the first women to publicly come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Harvey Weinstein.

In a statement, posted on her Twitter account, Srovino said she was "reeling from the recent news" and hoped against hope that allegations against Arjento are not true.

"I have been heartsick over the recent allegations against Asia Argento. Time will clarify things and perhaps she will be exonerated, but if true, there is no lens that makes it better.

"Child sexual assault is a heinous crime and is against all that I and the #MeToo movement stands for. I remain dedicated in the fight for all victims and change the culture that encourages the abuse of power in sexual relationships," she said.

According to a New York Times report, Argento paid child actor Jimmy Bennett USD 380,000 in November after his lawyers had served her with a notice to sue for sexual assault.

Argento has denied the allegations, claiming the assault never took place.