In today’s times, consent and rapes are concepts, a lot of people still don’t understand. They don’t understand where the line is to be drawn and beyond that, it’s sexual harassment. It then becomes the victim’s prerogative to take it up with authorities and seek justice. I understand it may be difficult and scary for some but that’s the only way offenders learn a lesson.
In a shocking turn of events, Harvey Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. The Hollywood legend who has produced movies like ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Shakespeare In Love’ and ‘The King’s Speech’ is facing allegations of rapes and sexual abuse by multiple women.
In an exposé by The New Yorker, it was revealed that he has allegedly raped, sexually assaulted or harrassed thirteen women. Three of them, including an Italian actress and filmmaker Asia Argento and an aspiring actress say that they were raped. A spokesperson for Weinstein said,
“Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein.”
More and more twists were revealed when more woman joined in to expose their personal truths.
Gwenyth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie opened up to The New York Times to add their account to all the women who have accused him.
Paltrow said that Weinstein sexually harassed her in a hotel room at the age of 22 after hiring her for a role in ‘Emma’. He apparently put his hands on her and suggested a massage. She said that she was a kid and she terrified to speak up.
She opened up to her then-boyfriend, Brad Pitt who reportedly confronted Weinstein an told him to never touch Paltrow again. The producer retaliated by threatening Paltrow to never speak to anyone about it. She said that being young and new she thought he would fire her.
Angelina Jolie also said that she had a “bad experience” with Weinstein in a hotel room in the late ’90s during the release of ‘Playing by Heart’. She said that he made unwanted advances towards her.
Jolie also said that after this incident she chose never to work with him again and warned others who did.
A number of celebrities have been dragged into this horrific story and it has now become a very public scandal. In a report by People’s Magazine Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Kate Winslet are among others who have spoken out in condemning Weinstein’s horrid acts. Even the Obamas and Hillary Clinton have criticized his acts.
In an effort to condemn Weinstein’s acts, Ben Affleck also tweeted saying
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 10, 2017
But was slammed by actress Rose McGowan who was allegedly a part of the women who Weinstein assaulted but reached a settlement with him for her silence. She claims that Ben Affleck knew about the misdoings and chose to help cover it up.
You want to play let's play #ROSEARMY pic.twitter.com/uqd26Z78gc
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 10, 2017
Finally, Weinstein’s wife Georgina Chapman told People’s Magazine that she has decided to leave Weinstein after these allegations became public saying,
“My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions”
It is shocking that in an industry where apparently sexual favours are the done deal it took so long for the truth to come out. Weinstein has been allegedly been doing this for decades but it was only revealed now. We salute all the brave women who came out with their stories. We hope justice will be served well.