It’s been a few years since the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal exploded, but the dust is far from settled. The allegations not only sparked the #MeToo movement resulting in the cancellation and dismissal of accused men all over the world, but also empowered allies to make big moves against Weinstein and his company.
One of those people was filmmaker and actor Kevin Smith. In 2017, after the scandal went public, Smith announced that he would be donating all the profits from his Weinstein-produced films to Women in Film, an organisation that advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries.
Smith made the announcement on his Hollywood Babble-On podcast, saying, “My entire career is tied up with the man. It’s been a weird f*cking week. I just wanted to make some f*cking movies, that’s it.”
“I know it’s not my fault, but I didn’t f*cking help. I sat out there talking about this man like he was a hero, like he was my friend, like he was my father and sh*t like that,” he continued.
Weinstein was behind Smith’s films Clerks II, Zack and Miri Make A Porno, and Dogma. Smith isn’t the only male celebrity who spoke out against Weinstein when the news broke, either.
Ryan Gosling tweeted a statement which read, “I’m deeply disappointed in myself for being so oblivious to these devastating experiences of sexual harassment and abuse. He is emblematic of a systemic problem. Men should stand with women and work together until there is real accountability and change.”
Seth McFarland also shared his support on Twitter, writing, “There is nothing more abhorrent and indefensible than abuse of power such as this.” Leonardo DiCaprio shared the same sentiment, posting to Facebook, “There is no excuse for sexual harassment or sexual assault – no matter who you are and no matter what profession…I applaud the strength and courage of the women who came forward and made their voices heard.”
Yes, it’s been two years since the scandal, but it’s important that both men and women continue to support victims and make it clear that this behaviour is not, and never will be, acceptable.
If you, or anyone you know is a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT for support.