Maryl Streep and other Hollywood stars hit out at Weinstein

Meryl Streep and other Hollywood stars have spoken out against producer Harvey Weinstein in the wake of the sexual harassment claims that saw him being fired by his own company.

Streep told the Huffington Post she was "appalled" by the "disgraceful" news.

She went on to praise "the intrepid women who raised their voices to expose this abuse", calling them "heroes", BBC News reports.

Dame Judi Dench also issued a statement saying she was "completely unaware" of the "horrifying" claims.

The British actress also praised those who had spoken up.

"I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered, and wholehearted support to those who have spoken out," she said.

Meanwhile, another British actress - Romola Garai - said she felt "violated" after being asked to visit Weinstein in his hotel room when she was 18 so he could "approve" her for a role.

Garai told The Guardian he opened the door in his dressing gown. "It was humiliating for me," she said, adding: "It was an abuse of power."

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet has also praised those, like Garai, who spoke out, telling Variety they are "incredibly brave", adding it had been "deeply shocking to hear".

Emma Thompson, Mark Ruffalo and Seth Rogen are among other leading actors to express similar sentiments.

The Weinstein allegations have instigated a fierce debate about abuse of power in Hollywood and beyond.