After Weinstein, these male celebrities are also opening up about being sexually assaulted by powerful men in Hollywood
Since the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke just over a week ago in the New York Times, many actors including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cara Delevingne and Rose have claimed they also experienced sexual harassment and assault at the hands of the film executive.
Many, including Meryl Streep, Leonardo Dicaprio and Barack Obama, have expressed support for the women and it has opened up debate about the insidious issue around sexual abuse in Hollywood.
Related: Cara Delevingne reveals shocking homophobic incident at the hands of Harvey Weinstein
A number of men have also come forward to share similar experiences, where they felt powerless at the hands of powerful men in the industry.
Terry Crews, James Van der Beek and Michael Gaston have all spoken up about incidents they endured, hoping to show support, and shed light on why victims so often feel unable to come forward.
Although the 6-foot-3, former American football player would be seen by many as an unlikely victim, Crews explained in a series of tweets on Tuesday that anyone can be a target of harassment.
Terry Crews (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Crews described how he was groped by a Hollywood executive last year, and felt that he couldn’t do anything because of the man’s position.
He said he knew that if he fought back he would suffer for it, imagining headlines reading “240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho,” and that he didn’t want to be ostracized from the industry.
I decided not 2 take it further becuz I didn’t want 2b ostracized— par 4 the course when the predator has power and influence. (9/cont.)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
He said this experience made him absolutely understand why women had chosen to keep quiet about their abuse, knowing that they likely will be dismissed and it could have huge negative impacts on their career.
Who’s going 2 believe you? ( few) What r the repercussions?(many) Do u want 2 work again? (Yes) R you prepared 2b ostracized?(No)(11/cont.)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
“To the casualties of this behavior— you are not alone,” he said.
“Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless.”
Related: Gay producer Harvey Fierstein is getting a ton of abuse from people who have the wrong Harvey
James Van Der Beek, former Dawson’s Creek star, also shared a similar story.
“I’ve had my ass grabbed by older, powerful men, I’ve had them corner me in inappropriate sexual conversations when I was much younger.”
James Van Der Beek (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Environmental Media Association )
He made clear how important it was not to underestimate the strength of shame and power in these situations.
I understand the unwarranted shame, powerlessness & inability to blow the whistle. There’s a power dynamic that feels impossible to overcome
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
Related: Film producer Harvey Weinstein praises Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘genius’ portrayal of Alan Turing
Prison Break‘s Michael Gaston said that as he tweeted his experience “my heart is pounding and my hands shake.”
Michael Gaston (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
He said he was inappropriately grabbed by a powerful theatre director, and despite it being in front of witnesses, felt powerless to say anything.
I give the benefit of what little doubt I have to any woman who claims a powerful man treated her inappropriately.Because it happened to me.
— ❄️Michael Gaston❄️ (@_MichaelGaston) October 10, 2017
Many pointed out how important it was to acknowledge that men also experience these abuses of power.
There’s quite a few in Hollywood probably thinking they’ll get away with it too, because men would never dare speak up.
— Ira Madison III (@ira) October 10, 2017
Although the case is still unfolding, there is hope that it may mark a turning point in changing the culture of silence both within Hollywood, and throughout society
