Harvey Weinstein, influential US film producer and Academy award winner for Best Picture with Shakespeare in Love (1999), has been accused of sexual harassment by certain Hollywood actresses (among them, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan). Following the scandal, he was fired by the company he co-founded with his brother Bob, “The Weinstein Company“.
The New York Times published an investigation stating that in addition to harassment, Weinstein has also been accused of paying several women in exchange for their silence.
On October 8, details about Harvey Weinstein‘s case have once again made their way on the pages of the New York Times: how come so few personalities of Hollywood’s glamorous “entertainment world” – which has always professed itself progressive, liberal, and feminist – have publicly expressed their solidarity with the harassed women? Curiously, no word has been spoken regarding this matter, even after explicit request. The article of the famous newspaper is addressed to all those who, in other contexts and in the face of similar accusations to others, have taken very firm and clear stands. Journalist Brooks Barnes states: “I called more than 40 entertainment industry players, and almost all refused to speak for the record.” Some people justified their refusal to talk by saying that they needed their companies’ approval before making a statement. This reason, however, only serves to paint a picture of a frightened Hollywood too scared and self-righteous to expose itself on such a delicate affair.
Along with Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, other famous figures have spoken out, including Lena Dunham, Amber Tamblyn, Brie Larson, Seth Rogen and several producers.
The actress directly involved expressed all her disappointment on Twitter: “Ladies of Hollywood, your silence is deafening.” She also published a photo of herself with the words: “This is the girl that was hurt by a monster. This is who you are shaming with your silence.”
