Harvey Weinstein Revealed To Be Sexual Predator

Anoushka Gupta, Sports Editor

 

  Acclaimed movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been revealed to be guilty of sexually abusing female staff members and actresses for years.

  The news was revealed in an exposé article published by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey of the New York Times on October 5. It contained the confessions of numerous women, like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, exploited by Weinstein throughout the years.  

  Since the story came out, many other women have come out and spoken about the sexual harassment they have faced. The allegations are mainly by former female workers or prospective actresses for the Weinstein Company.

  These women say that Weinstein often forced them to massage him or watch him shower and that they often received inappropriate comments about their body and figure.

   Many were even raped in horrific ways and were forced to keep quiet. Judd, one of the first women to come out, said she faced years of abuse before being able to say anything because she feared Weinstein’s influence.

  Italian actress, Asia Argento, was in a similar situation to Judd as she was forced to perform oral sex with Weinstein almost 20 years ago, but was only able to speak now because she was afraid he would crush her and stated,“I knew he had crushed a lot of people before.”

  On the other hand, Kaitlin Martin(10) believes, “The first girl that got raped or violated should have come out years ago, so other women wouldn’t have to go through the danger of that [perverted] … Harvey Weinstein.”

  Weinstein has responded to the Times article by sending them an apology letter where he stated, “I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain,  and I sincerely apologize for it.”

  He even attempted to justify his actions by saying, “I came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces  were different.” He also left the Weinstein company and has stated his intentions to go to rehab and overcome his issues.

  In addition, reports of this scandal have shocked the entertainment community; many actors and actresses, including Emma Thompson and Ben Affleck, have released statements concerning Weinstein.

   TV personality Mayim Bialik even published an opinion article in the New York Times stating, “Though I am shocked and disgusted by the scope of his alleged predation, the fact that he may have abused his position of power does not surprise me in the least.”

  Nearly everyone was shocked by the reveal. West High student Nikita Selvarajan (10) said, “What shocks me the most is that it seems all of the major film stars knew it was happening and no one spoke up. Imagine how many people would be better off today if we knew this was happening earlier.”

  Weinstein’s scandal has shocked many across the world and he’s only one example of systematic sexism in the United States. As of right now, Weinstein has stated his intention to change and become a better man, but one can only wait and see whether he keeps his promises.