Entertainment, Media Figures Applaud Harvey Weinstein Firing: ‘The Enabling Needs to End’
In the wake of an explosive New York Times report on sexual allegations against Harvey Weinstein which culminated with the Weinstein Co. board firing the co-founder on Sunday, industry figures — including an increasing number of men — began to add their voices to those who were the first to applaud the truth coming to light.
Gretchen Carlson, whose revelations led to Roger Ailes’ ouster from Fox News, tweeted, “Women’s voices heard. Again and finally. It’s working.”
Women’s voices heard. Again and Finally. #BeFierceAlways Its working https://t.co/D4oPeBIl2L
— Gretchen Carlson (@GretchenCarlson) October 8, 2017
“Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn said, “The enabling needs to end.”
And fuck you to anyone who knew about it and let him get away with it. The enabling also needs to end.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 9, 2017
Even before Weinstein’s firing, the allegations which led to him announcing an “indefinite leave” were the talk of the entertainment and media world and beyond. Several more women came forth to tell their stories leading up to his firing on Sunday, including a disturbing account of Weinstein forcing a news anchor to watch him masturbate.
One of his accusers, Rose McGowan, led the way in condemning the long silence about his behavior, with Lena Dunham, Patricia Arquette and others supporting her.
This is about a power structure that needs to be brought down. I cannot thank the women who came forward & the boss writers at #NYT enough
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 7, 2017
Now is the time to listen and learn, not make ethical judgments about women who were intimidated, coerced and harmed
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) October 7, 2017
@AshleyJudd & @rosemcgowan I'm sure it wasn't easy to come forward but in doing so you helped a lot of others who might not have been heard.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 6, 2017
While some observers felt that industry men had been slow to condemn Weinstein, Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow were among the first prominent male Hollywood figures to do so.
What Harvey Weinstein did was abhorrent. He admits he did it. Why should anyone be silent in their disgust and support for his victims? https://t.co/fh9TKUp0mA
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 8, 2017
I believe all the women coming forward about Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment. It takes bravery to do so.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) October 7, 2017
Screenwriter Howard Rodman called for the industry to boycott Weinstein, who could potentially resurface eventually as an independent producer, if anyone would agree to work with him.
I won’t work for HW. Who’s with me?
— Howard A. Rodman (@ivanjohnson) October 8, 2017
Anthony Bourdain referenced the stories that Matt Damon and Russell Crowe had been enlisted to vouch for an executive to the New York Times, during the course of an investigation into the executive’s alleged behavior — as a procurer of women for Weinstein — that was never published.
https://t.co/zSfvBGAyGh
Wow. Just, wow. Damon and Crowe and The NYT got some 'splaining to do.— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 8, 2017
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