Fans are urging actress Jessica Chastain to drop out of a film project with Australian actor-turned-director and alleged abuser Matthew Newton. The film, a character-focused action film titled Eve, is set to be produced by and star Chastain, with Newton directing.
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.
As news dropped over the last few days of the project, fans took to social media to voice their dismay and disgust at the decision.
https://twitter.com/bestofchastains/status/1025155640870744064
Matthew Newton, who fled a dark past in Australia, appears to have remade himself as a feminist director in the United States. Is it a cynical career strategy, or a genuine redemption tale? New for @SBSMovies from @BrionyKidd https://t.co/C0NyvENYOp
— Fiona Williams (@anythingbutfifi) August 3, 2018
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
https://twitter.com/Lexialex/status/1025374683846172672
The move is, to some fans, particularly hypocritical, as Jessica Chastain has been increasingly vocal in regards to the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, and has pushed for greater gender diversity within the film industry.
https://twitter.com/countess_skanky/status/1024855345955528704
I am so incredibly disappointed that she has chosen to work with someone that has caused such deep trauma and harm to others, especially as an advocate for feminism. Were there no talented female filmmakers she could bring a vision to life with? Why an abuser?
— Jordan (@Myrcella) August 2, 2018
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
According to The Wrap, Matthew Newton has refused to give a statement on the matter, while Jessica Chastain has yet to talk publicly about it at all.