For decades Hollywood has quietly harbored sexual offenders. Last year it was revealed that Harvey Weinstein, one of the biggest and most influential producers in Hollywood, had a long history of sexual abuse with over 80 allegations from various women and high-profile celebrities. Weinstein was then removed from his company and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and now faces felony charges.
In the months following, it seemed that every other day another powerful executive or prolific actor was exposed as a sexual abuser. Many high-profile actresses who were victims of abuse, such as Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Lawrence, and Uma Thurman, came out to share their stories and the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault went viral on social media.
Recently scandal has fallen upon the CBS Corporation with its CEO of 15 years Leslie Moonves, and the executive producer of the news program 60 Minutes Jeff Fager, both being accused of sexual harassment. Both men have since stepped down from their positions.
According to the New York Times, “The CBS board announced [Moonves’] departure, effective immediately. As part of the agreement, the network said it would donate $20 million to one or more organizations that support equality for women in the workplace.” The proceeds will come from a severance package for Moonves, which he may or may not receive, contingent upon the pending investigation into the allegations.
It is important to recognize the fact that many of the culprits coming out of Hollywood were not only abusers, but held powerful positions of influence over the creative productions digested by millions of consumers.
The #MeToo movement has done amazing work in bringing awareness to the serious issue of sexual abuse and harassment, but the fact that a gender wage gap still exists shows we still don’t equally value the labor of women, the fact that our governing body is made up of only around 25% women shows we don’t value the leadership of women, and the fact that 91% of victims of rape and sexual assault are female, while nine percent male (according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center), shows that we don’t even value the autonomy women have over their bodies. There is still much work to be done.