Big Name Actresses Come Out Against Harvey Weinstein and Somehow They’re to Blame?

More and more Hollywood players are coming forward with their stories of abuse or harassment at the hands of Harvey Weinstein. The disgraced producer was outed last week, following years of rumors swirling around his abhorrent behavior. On Tuesday, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie spoke out about their experiences with Harvey Weinstein. Their stories confirm A), that he’s a fucking pig monster. And B), that he used his power and influence to get his way with everyone, even big stars. However, some people didn’t save their condemnation for Weinstein. Instead, they have attacked Paltrow and Jolie for “waiting too long” to come forward.

Stop this ride, I want to get off.

Image: Giphy

Gwyneth and Angelina spoke to the New York Times about their experiences with Harvey Weinstein.

In an email to the NYT, Jolie said, “I had a bad experience with Harvey Weinstein in my youth, and as a result, chose never to work with him again and warn others when they did.” She did not elaborate on what her experience entailed, but it was enough for her to warn other people about him.

Paltrow’s interview goes into more detail about what Harvey did, and why she stayed silent.

She said she was invited to his hotel suite for a work meeting. She had just been hired to fill the titular role in Emma, which Weinstein’s company was producing. The meeting ended with Harvey putting his hands on her shoulders and suggesting they retreat to the bedroom for massages. Paltrow says she refused his advances, but continues, “I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified.” She later told boyfriend Brad Pitt about the encounter, which led to Pitt confronting Weinstein.

Weinstein then warned Paltrow directly not to speak of his behavior to anyone else.

Women who have been abused or harassed are all too familiar with the fear of being punished for coming forward. And now, even years later, we’re seeing it happen. The Facebook comments on the NYT story are filled with victim-blaming and shaming. Apparently, if women don’t speak up immediately, they lose the right to speak up ever.

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Image: Facebook/The New York Times

“Just as much to blame for his behavior as he is”. That’s the hill you want to die on, Laura? Really?

harvey weinstein
Image: Facebook/The New York Times

But but but, why didn’t they <insert inane whine about something>? How is it ANYONE’S FAULT BUT HARVEY WEINSTEINS???

harvey weinstein
Image: Facebook/The New York Times

When someone in a position of great power (over you, over your career, over your livelihood) threatens you into silence, THAT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

Thankfully, there were comments from people who understand how intimidation, threats, and fear can force a victim to remain silent.

harvey weinstein
Image: Facebook/The New York Times

If you ever hear the phrase “rape culture” and wonder what it’s about, just read the comments on any Harvey Weinstein article from the last week. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

The Weinstein story isn’t going away, and more and more victims are continuing to come forward and speak out. However, if we want to stop this from happening, we have to LISTEN TO THEM. Not judge them. Surely, not blame them. There’s a reason only 344/1000 sexual assaults are reported to police, and it’s this shit right here. And honestly, Harvey Weinstein has plenty of defenders. He doesn’t need or deserve our support, now or ever.

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(Image: Facebook / Follownews)

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