Since mid-October, sexual assault allegations have risen in the Hollywood world, as the famous celebrities we all know and love have spoken out about being harassed and assaulted.
It all started on Twitter, on October 15th, when actress Alyssa Milano began the hashtag #MeToo and it began trending. The purpose of this hashtag was to remind victims of sexual assault that they’re not alone and that this is a growing issue. Other celebrities — such as, Anna Paquin, Debra Messing, Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union and Evan Rachel Wood — were tweeting about their experiences of being harassed.
Since these allegations on social media were made, these cases have been taken more seriously by politicians and society as well, refusing to accept that what had happened to the countless victims.
Harvey Weinstein, an American film producer who ignited the fire is sexual accusations, was recently accused of sexually harassing actresses such as Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow. Actress Paz de Huerta accused Weinstein of raping her in 2010. Weinstein has since been charged for rape and has been fired from his studio he co-founded due to all the allegations being made. Even now, Weinstein continues to deny all allegations that have been made about any sexual harassment/assault.
Yet another famous name in the Hollywood that has brought attention is Ben Affleck. When celebrities began to tweet about their experiences with any type of sexual violence, actress Hilarie Burton confessed on Twitter that he groped her breasts. Affleck then addressed Burton on Twitter saying, “I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize.”
I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 11, 2017
According to CNN News, 35% of women have experienced either physical/sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. Each year, over 10 million men and women are victims of intimate partner violence. Due to the recent allegations being made and reported about these celebrities, statistics will continue to increase.
This isn’t the first time a celebrity has been accused of sexually harassing someone and taken to court for it. At the beginning of the year, famous actor Bill Cosby, was charged for sexual assault. Cosby was accused of drugging and raping Andrea Constand in 2004, however was brought to court this year. Famous rapper and singer, R. Kelly has a long history of sexually harassing and raping women and was taken to court in 2008, however was found not guilty.
Although these men are celebrities they have still committed a crime and have made women around the world uncomfortable due to their actions. Due to their fame and money, it is very easy for them to get out of a court case. However if it was any other man who wasn’t a celebrity, charges would not be dropped and they would most likely be found guilty. These men are no different, and should be treated just the same. Sexual violence in anyway must be stopped and these celebrities speaking out upon their experiences, are making an effort to remind everyone that this must end.
