Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o joined tens of other women in accusing top Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment.
The Kenyan born actress wrote openly about her encounter with Mr. Weinstein in an opinion piece published on October 19th by the New York Times.
Ms Nyong’o details numerous instances where Mr. Weinstein made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe. She narrates on one occasion the producer invited her to a film screening at his house. Ms. Nyong’o states that only 15 minutes into the film, Mr. Weinstein strong-armed her into giving him a massage, and attempted to take his pants off.
[caption caption="Lupita Nyong'o"]
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On another occasion, Mr. Weinstein invited her to dinner after an event.
“Let’s cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal,” Ms. Nyong’o remembers Mr. Weinstein telling her.
When she declined, she recalls Mr. Weinstein telling her that if she wanted to be an actress, then she had to be willing to do that sort of thing.
By speaking out about Mr. Weinstein, Lupita Nyong’o joins tens of other women who have accused the decorated producer of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Since the New York Times published its initial investigation on October 5, over 30 women have spoken out, including actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd.
Nyong’o and her colleagues’ accusations have inspired a wave of solidarity over social media. Thousands of women and men have used the hashtag #MeToo to share their own experiences on sexual assault and harassment.
Mr. Weinstein was fired from The Weinstein Company, of which he is a co-founder. He was also expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 14. Police in New York, London, and Los Angeles are currently investigating accusations of rape against Mr. Weinstein.
[caption caption="Hollywood Producer and Co-Owner of The Weinstein Company Harvey Weinstein"]
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