The official student news site of Athens Drive High School

ATHENS ORACLE

The official student news site of Athens Drive High School

ATHENS ORACLE

The official student news site of Athens Drive High School

ATHENS ORACLE

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Weinstein Scandal Brings Awareness to Sexual Harassment in the art world

Harvey Weinstein, who built one of the biggest mini-major film industries, is now facing countless accusations of sexual harassment and rape. Once one woman accused Weinstein, others began coming out with their own accusations against Weinstein Most saying their incident with Weinstein happened over ten years ago,which raised questions of why they kept it quiet for so long. The women either were afraid it would ruin their careers and get them fired, or tried to tell the police but Weinstein’s money quieted the police charges.

Although they did not report Weinstein, some women did try to warn others before they worked with him, so the same thing would not happen to them. Obviously it was not too effective because over 50 women since then have brought forth accusations of harassment.

Weinstein was voted to be fired by the board of his company and have his name removed from  the industry. After the accusation, four male members of the company resigned. In addition, Weinstein’s wife also filed for divorce.

“When I first heard about this scandal I was absolutely disgusted. It is painful to think how long this man got away with something so evil and I believe that these women who he violated are so brave to come forward and deserve the justice they are seeking,“  said Jade Mills, freshman.

The Weinstein company issued a statement stating that saying they had no idea about Weinstein’s behavior, but employees of the company claimed they did. Many knew, but only a handful confronted Weinstein and it ended there. He likely paid them off to keep quiet or threatened their career.

After the accusations that brought Weinstein down occurred, he knew he was in trouble. So he emailed many friends in the company and told them not to let him get fired. He was not going to go down without a fight. He seemed to be on his own, he was fired quickly and not backed up or supported by anyone.

“For my students who would like to pursue a career in film or theatre, I would tell them to never let themselves be compromised like that,” said Mr. Santangelo the Athens Drive chorus teacher.

Celebrities and actors have been coming out with statements against Weinstein and his behavior. Many people worked with him and did not  have any issue with his behavior, for example Jennifer Lawrence.  However many also said they worked with him and heard rumors about what he has done and got weird vibes from him for example Glenn Close.

“Sexual harassment is a real problem, everywhere. No one is safe against the dangers of sexual assault and everyone should know how to take the proper measures to protect themselves,” said Mills.

Weinstein paid off many women in exchange for their silence, but some of them are coming out to expose him now. Which many may not think is fair, considering the fact that he paid them for their silence. Knowing that they were paid off just means that there are most likely many more women Weinstein harassed, they are just keeping quiet.

Weinstein’s life is changed forever, and so are the views on Hollywood. Sexual harassment is is a common thing in the TV tv business, coming from people in positions of power. It is also common in sports and in the military. This scandal may make predators think twice the next time they want to harass someone, seeing as it put Weinstein out of the job, divorced and in a very bad reputation.

“I fear for the girls I know, my friends, who want to go into the acting  business knowing that this is not the first issue with sexual harassment in the film and television business. I fear for myself, wanting to be an actress. I want nothing more than to see this man behind bars where he deserves to be,” said Mills.

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