Harrowing Hollywood Allegations

Pricilla Perez, Editor

Multiple Hollywood celebrities are sharing their harrowing stories of sexual assault and abuse. These allegations are coming to light after The New York Times published an article exposing Hollywood movie mogul, Harvey Weinstein, for his abusive behavior. Dozens of women have accused Weinstein of sexual abuse. The accusations are spanned decades ago, and they’ve also opened discussions about sexual harassment, abuse, and the lengths women are brought upon across not only entertainment business, but all professions.

Terry Crews tweeted about a time a powerful, and influential studio executive grabbed his genitals without his consent and without warning. “I decided not 2 take it further becuz I didn’t want 2b ostracized – par 4 the course when the predator has power n influence” [sic] Crews tweeted. “I get it. And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go.” The lack of support men have when they share their stories of assault is little to none, and Crew’s story has led a path to more conversations; racial stereotypes, power and privilege, and the lack of resources for male victims.

Actor Anthony Rapp accused Kevin Spacey of assault in 1986. Rapp was 14, while Spacey was 26 at the time. Spacey has decided to “live as a gay man” in his public statement following the allegation. He also tweeted, “I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago.”

“But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.”
 What is being done to hold these men accountable for their actions? We’ve seen men like Woody Allen, Ben Affleck, and many others keep their status and work after allegations. A vast majority of men, when convicted of rape, are often given insignificant sentences. For instance: Brock Turner was convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault in 2016, and was released after three months of being in jail for “good behavior.” Despite not being a celebrity, his case took the world by storm.
Madonna, Britney, Nelly, Bill Cosby are just a few on a long list of celebrities that have harassed or assaulted others. Madonna provoked outrage when she made out with Drake onstage at Coachella, without his consent, in turn, Drake made an expression that looked as if he was disgusted.  Despite his attempts to mollify critics by posting a picture of the moment to his Instagram account, he wrote: ‘Don’t misinterpret my shock!! I got to make out with the queen Madonna and I feel 100 about that forever. Thank you Madonna.’ It still left many angered.

Our own President has been accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct. How can we hold men accountable for such horrendous crimes? A burning question as victims sit with the scars of their past and the anger towards offenders as they continue to gain on the ladder of fame.