It comes as no surprise that Hollywood has many flaws. In recent years, many women have exposed filmmakers’ sexual harassment. However, many movie stars resort to the silent-treatment when asked to speak up. The lack of accountability reveals that Hollywood is still not progressing.
Alyson Hannigan & Buffy the Vampire Slayer
On February 10th, Charisma Carpenter posted on Twitter about working with the director, Joss Whedon. Carpenter worked with Whedon on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Carpenter relives her nightmare when talking about the hurtful remarks he made about her weight and tattoos. She states:
“It troubles and saddens me that in 2021 professionals STILL have to choose between whistleblowing in the workplace and job security”.
Twitter
Former co-stars showed their support for Carpenter. Michelle Trachtenberg posted on Instagram about her experience. She reveals that as a teenager, she was not allowed to be alone with Whedon.
However, one notable breadwinner of the Buffy franchise, Alyson Hannigan, has not made any comment – she has remained silent on the issue. Fans are speculating it’s due to her husband’s friendship with Whedon. While many fans are disappointed, it pegs the question as to how her silence normalizes toxic workplace behavior.
Jennifer Lawrence & Silver Linings Playbook
Jennifer Lawrence and Harvey Weinstein have been linked before. The two worked together for Silver Linings Playbook. In October 2017, dozens of women accused Weinstein of rape and sexual assault. Lawrence’s previous statement about Weinstein raises some red flags about his real personality. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Lawrence says:
“Just speaking for myself, I had known him since I was 20, and he had only ever been nice to me.”
People
Lawrence’s ignorant statement seemingly alludes to the fact that Weinstein is not “nice”. Lawrence’s actions show how sometimes women in power refuse to use their privilege to spread awareness.
Selena Gomez & A Rainy Day in New York
In 2018, Selena Gomez worked in Woody Allen’s film, A Rainy Day in New York. Throughout Allen’s career, there have been multiple allegations of his sexual predatory nature. His adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, has detailed childhood memories in which Allen behaved inappropriately. However, Farrow’s courageous attempts in exposing her father’s sexual harassment have not yet been rewarded.
When more reports started pouring about Allen’s bad behavior, Gomez announced that she would be donating her salary to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. This gesture has been praised well by fans, however, some argue she was doing the “bare minimum”.
Although Hollywood has made conscious efforts into changing, there seems to be a long way to go to finally reach justice for young women.
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Hollywood’s Shocking Record of Sexism
