Ryan Gosling condemned Harvey Weinstein’s actions, and wants men to be allies to women

In the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment allegations, many men and women have come forward to condemn his behavior or offer up on-the-record accounts of their personal interactions with him. Because nearly everyone in Hollywood has crossed paths with the now-disgraced studio executive at some point in their career, who is and who isn’t speaking out has become very telling.

Thankfully, the women who have come forward can count numerous men as allies. Add Ryan Gosling to that list.

“Like most people in Hollywood, I have worked with him and I’m deeply disappointed in myself for being so oblivious to these devastating experiences of sexual harassment and abuse,” the actor wrote. “He is emblematic of a systemic problem. Men should stand with women and work together until there is a real accountability and change.”

While some in Hollywood say they had no idea about Weinstein’s alleged behavior, others have called it an “open secret.” It’s hard to fathom this disconnect when 30 Rock, Seth MacFarlane, and countless blind items over the years made reference to his inexcusable sexual misconduct. Regardless, all that matters is those who weren’t aware are now, and they are speaking up.

Since the allegations and explosive New York Times and New Yorker features dropped, many other women like Cara Delevingne, Léa Seydoux, Angelina Jolie, and Gwyneth Paltrow have come forward with their own accounts of abuse. Our hope moving forward is that men like Weinstein are held accountable and women are empowered to speak out. Thankfully, Weinstein’s victims now have most of Hollywood on their side.