Daily Times

It has been one year since the Harvey Weinstein sex abuse scandal broke. And this week saw the District Attorney’s office throw out part of the sexual criminal case against the now disgraced Hollywood mogul over alleged misstatements made by one of his three accusers.

Lucia Evans was 21-years-old when Weinstein assaulted her in a hotel room back in 2004. And her accounts of what transpired have remained steadfast throughout. Yet her charges against him have been dropped over claims that a friend had offered a different account of her recollections of that evening. And that a police officer tried to influence the trial’s outcome by not recording this disconnect. Thereby allowing the defence to argue that the integrity of the case had been compromised.

Yet most shocking of all is how some 70 women came forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct, including rape, over a three-decade period. Yet only three made it to court. Equally troubling is how he has been out on bail throughout. And then there is the immense backlash that the women at the forefront of the #Me Too movement have endured for daring to hold accountable one of Tinsel Town’s most influential men.

Hollywood actresses are increasingly portrayed as having willingly succumbed to the casting couch in order to get ahead in the film industry. Indeed, this is what Ms Evans stands accused of. Yet even if this were true, when a man in position of near absolute power trades a step up on the career ladder for sexual favours ,it is still coercion. Fuelled by the dread of young actresses being backlisted from the industry across the board.

This has led to a rapid rise in men ready to adopt the mantle of being witch-hunted. And the spotlight now stands refracted as women are cast in the role as predators; out to ruin men’s careers. Sadly, this is a narrative that has gained currency over the last 12 months. The result being that women are actively discredited as they are effectively placed before the court of public opinion.

Thus not immediately reporting particular incidents naturally means it was no biggie. And coming forward years later smacks of strategic opportunism. That this is happening to some of the most privileged women in the world underscores just how deeply entrenched male entitlement is. And reinforces how smashing the patriarchy must remain a global priority.

Women everywhere need to stand up and say #Me Too. Without fear. Without apology. *

Published in Daily Times, October 13^th 2018.