Aussie director Matthew Newton, who was set to direct and produce Jessica Chastain’s new film Eve, has stepped down from the project following backlash over his history of alleged abuse and domestic violence.
Fans directed most of their rage at Chastain, an avid supporter of the #MeToo movement and Hollywood’s #TimesUp campaign, and campaigned for her to drop out of the film.
Hey @jes_chastain – you probably won't read this, but as someone who just agreed to work with Matthew Newton, you should know this about him.
— The Curb (@TheCurbAU) August 2, 2018
There's a lot more on his Wikipedia here:https://t.co/Z10UPKaxoe#MeToo #CancelMatthewNewton pic.twitter.com/Nw1pvk2kJY
Instead, Newton announced his exit from the film in a statement released on Friday morning.
“Yesterday I notified Jessica Chastain and the other producers on the film Eve that I will be stepping down as director,” he said. “Since the announcement of this film, the responses, which are powerful and important, have not fallen on deaf ears.
“I am profoundly aware that I have a responsibility to lead where I have failed in the past. I can never undo the harm that I’ve caused the people I’ve cared about and I carry that shame and responsibility with me every day.”
“Over the past eight years I have been working extensively with healthcare professionals to help me overcome my addiction and mental health illness. For the past six years I have lived a quiet and sober life.”
“All I can do now is try to be a living amends and hopefully contribute to the positive change occurring in our industry.”
Matthew Newton has been charged, yet never convicted, with domestic violence against a variety of people, most notably former girlfriends Brooke Satchwell and Rachael Taylor. He has successfully appealed all of his charges on the grounds of mental illness and addiction.
Utterly revolting a douche who abused two ex partners, also in the industry and used his mental health as an excuse is employed by #metoo advocate @jes_chastain come on BE BETTER. Stop employing known abusers. He never paid for his crimes.
— Ms Creant (@nexus1111) August 3, 2018
While it’s fair to criticise Chastain for planning to work with Newton in the first place, having the alleged abuser step down instead of the lead actress is a far better outcome. So let’s celebrate this as what it is – a win.