The stars of Hollywood are sending their support and applauding the women who have stepped forward against producer Harvey Weinstein.
Accusations of sexual harassment and assault have been leveled at the producer by actresses and women who once worked with Weinstein, who was recently fired from his position as co-chairman of the board at Weinstein Company as a result of the unearthed accusations.
On Tuesday, Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlize Theron were among those commending the women for their bravery as they came forward with their stories – and the actress added she was not ‘surprised’ by the allegations.
‘We cannot blame the victims’: Charlize Theron was just one of the stars to lend her support to the women who have come forward, applauding the ‘brave and heroic’ ladies for their actions, and adding she was not ‘surprised’ by the allegations (pictured July 2017)
‘There is no excuse’ Leonardo DiCaprio addressed the scandal on Facebook on Tuesday
‘The women who have spoken about their abuse are brave and heroic and although I didn’t have a personal experience like this with Harvey Weinstein, I unfortunately cannot say I’m surprised.
‘This culture has always existed, not just in Hollywood but across the world. And many men in positions of power have gotten away with it for far too long. We cannot blame the victims here.
‘A lot of these women are young, just starting out in their respective fields, and have absolutely no way to stand up to a man with so much influence, much greater than theirs.
‘If they speak up, they are shut down, and that could be the end of their career. This is all a positive step forward in changing that culture, and these young women need to know that they have a support system should anything like this happen to them. And I want you all to know I support you.’
Making her point: The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to address the scandal
‘I applaud the strength and courage of the women’: Leonardo took to Facebook on Tuesday to share his opinion
Leonardo also sent his support to the women, writing on his Facebook page: ‘There is no excuse for sexual harassment or sexual assault – no matter who you are and no matter what profession. I applaud the strength and courage of the women who came forward and made their voices heard.’
Mandy Moore also gave her thoughts on the issue during her appearance on the SiriusXM show, EW Morning Live, explaining the stories of these women coming forward ‘need to be believed.’
‘When a scandal like this comes to light, only good can come from this – the fact that feeling like there’s going to culpability in regards to harassment in the workplace and in this industry specifically,’ she said.
‘It’s important for us to talk about because it does exist and women need to be believed and their stories need to be out there,’ she added.
Lending their support: Mandy Moore and Minnie Driver also commended the women coming forward (L ad R pictured 2017)
‘The Harvey situation was not a surprise to me’: Rosie O’Donnell addressed the scandal on Monday night in an interview with Extra , and claims he insulted her to her face
Minnie Driver also commended the women who have accused Weinstein of misconduct, though made clear she had ‘never experienced any abuse’ during her time with the producer.
‘In light of the revelations about Harvey Weinstein in the past few days, I feel it necessary to add my support for the women who have been victimized and have been brave enough to talk about it,’ she told Variety in a statement.
‘While I never experienced any abuse while working with Harvey, I think it’s important to add my voice to those of women everywhere who have experienced abuse at the hands of powerful men.’
Ben Affleck, who previously worked with the producer, took to Facebook to condemn Weinstein:’I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades.
Statement: Ben Affleck took to Facebook to condemn Weinstein: ‘I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades
‘The additional allegations of assault that I read this morning made me sick. This is completely unacceptable, and I find myself asking what I can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to others. We need to do better at protecting our sisters, friends, co-workers and daughters. We must support those who come forward, condemn this type of behavior when we see it and help ensure there are more women in positions of power.’
Rosie O’Donnell addressed the scandal on Monday night in an interview with Extra, and claims he insulted her to her face.
‘Yes, it took a long time, 20 years, pretty much, for people to speak out,’ she said. ‘Harvey was very powerful in Hollywood… I know from my own friends and circumstances.
‘The Harvey situation was not a surprise to me. I’m not one of the women that he ever would or was interested in. He did call me the “c u next Tuesday’ to my face.”‘
‘We need to eradicate this behaviour’: Nicole Kidman also pledged her support to any victims of the misconduct, in a statement to People
Nicole Kidman also pledged her support to any victims of the misconduct, in a statement to People.
‘As I’ve stated before publicly, I support and applaud all women and these women who speak out against any abuse and misuse of power – be it domestic violence or sexual harassment in the workforce. We need to eradicate this behaviour.’
On Tuesday, the New York Times published a story revealing both Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie were subjected to unwanted advances by the Hollywood bigwig.
The newspaper first published a story last week saying the producer reached at least eight settlements with women including one who said she was coerced into giving him a massage while he was naked.
Thirteen women have said Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them between 1990 and 2015, according to the New Yorker.
Scandal: Multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations have been leveled at the producer by actresses and women who worked with Weinstein, who was recently fired from his position as co-chairman of the board at Weinstein Company as a result of the unearthed accusations (pictured 2017)
