Canadians join Twitter boycott over Harvey Weinstein sex scandal

Canadian writers, actors and women's rights advocates are joining an international boycott of the Twitter social media platform today over its handling of the Harvey Weinstein sex scandal.

The boycott started at midnight Thursday in New York and is to extend through today.

Canadian-born actor Anna Paquin welcomed any men who wish to show their support under the trending hash tag WomenBoycottTwitter.

The backlash began after actor Rose McGowan a vocal critic who has accused "HW" of raping her was briefly suspended for tweeting a personal phone number.

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Weinstein has denied through a spokeswoman any allegations of non-consensual contact.

Canadian television writer Emily Andras, known for the series Wyonna Earp, tweeted the boycott is about respect for women but some critics say silence is not the way to fight abuse.