Harvey Weinstein allegations: what does this mean for women in the film industry?

The Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse investigations are widening, with more than 50 accusations by women against the film producer. Actors and others in the film industry from across the globe have accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment and rape over a time frame spanning three decades.

Weinstein’s accusers include Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lysette Anthony and Ashley Judd, who tell similar stories. Some actors explain how they attended what they thought to be an interview, only to find Weinstein in a bathrobe, demanding that they interact sexually with him in order to be cast. Sophie Dix claimed it to be “the single most damaging thing that’s happened in my life”.

Sophie Dix claimed it to be ‘the single most damaging thing that’s happened in my life’

Worryingly, Weinstein is not alone. Film-maker Brett Ratner has been accused of similarly serious allegations. Women are speaking up about hundreds of attacks, many years after they have taken place. There is something very alarming in this time delay. “Horror” and “shame” are the emotions these women describe experiencing, with one saying she felt she had “no right to complain.” This disturbing response reveals a culture surrounding women working in this industry that should not exist.

The allegations follow similar patterns, one being that Weinstein would pressure women into sleeping with him by saying that “everybody does it.” He also claimed a long list of actors he had slept with previously. Despite feeling belittled, many women said they did not feel they had a choice, as Weinstein insisted it was “how things worked in Hollywood”, and that he would ruin their careers if they didn’t give in. These stories suggest that women feel that they often have no other method of moving forward in the acting industry.

These stories suggest that women feel that they often have no other method of moving forward in the acting industry

Alongside the emotional damage these attacks have caused, it is clear Weinstein drove many actors away from the industry with the claim that they could not succeed. There are also claims that he damaged the careers of those who pursued their film career after refusing him. Rosanna Arquette, who starred in Pulp Fiction, claimed her career later suffered because of her refusal to meet his demands; Dawn Dunning in an interview said she left acting as a result of Weinstein’s actions.

Another alarming factor is the silence of some men in the industry. Actor Lea Seydoux claimed in an interview that “everyone knew what Harvey was up to, and no one did anything.” Yet, of over thirty influential producers and actors – previous colleagues of Weinstein’s – who were contacted for statements, almost all declined to comment. Does the glaring silence of the men reflect a culture of misogyny in the film industry? Is Hollywood enabling abuse? These are questions that cannot go unanswered.

Another alarming factor is the silence of some men in the industry

The consequences for Weinstein have already been immense. He was fired from his company, and many actors and directors have publicly condemned him and shown support for his accusers. His wife has also announced that she is leaving him. But is this enough? What about the women that were forced to compromise themselves, who left acting, who have suffered long term emotional damage? How can we stop this happening in the future?

These allegations reveal a powerful producer negatively wielding his influence for his own gain, and entering into and perpetuating misogyny in the industry. Women are repeatedly using phrases like “giving in” and “having no choice”, suggesting there is an expectation that women in the film industry should just accept this kind of behaviour. These recurring themes cannot be overlooked. They undermine and belittle the position of females on the stage and screen, and normalise harassment. Things like this should not still be happening. We should encourage others to speak out about harassment and abuse, and discourage shame around the subject. Many actors expressed regret for not fighting Weinstein more; we should create an atmosphere in which they feel safe to do so.