Sexual misconduct and exploitation has persisted as a perpetual, yet clandestine aspect within Hollywood. The culture that exists in the film industry is traumatizing to not only victims, but also to the public as they watch this power hierarchy play out.
People shouldn't be asked to humiliate and disrespect themselves to be successful in their industry. However, the nature of Hollywood cultivates an environment that encourages aspiring actors to achieve stardom by all means.
A recent 2020 Netflix miniseries, “Hollywood” shines light on the abuse that continues within the industry, especially in film.
The show depicts aspiring actors who push themselves to do whatever it takes to become stars, including tolerating sexual abuse.
The themes of the show are reminiscent of real experiences still present in modern day Hollywood.
With many past cases continuing to gain public attention, the impact of the #MeToo movement has allowed important conversations and unity for victims. According to Dictionary.com, #MeToo is a social movement that advocates for survivors of sexual harassment to speak out.
Producer Harvey Weinstein has been in one of the biggest scandals in Hollywood. The New York Times reported sexual accusations against Weinstein in 2017.
He was under suspicion of sexually violating several Hollywood stars, including actresses Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. The misconduct accusations go back decades.
A multitude of actors and actresses have come forward about their mistreatment from Weinstein, even years later.
Some accusations include Weinstein forcing his clients to look at him naked and forcibly massaging them, according to an Oct. 5, 2017 New York Times article.
Just like the fictional characters of Netflix’s “Hollywood,” young starlets became victims as they were asked to perform sexual favors in exchange for career elevation.
Allegations around Weinstein’s abusive behavior has been a pattern since the early ’80s, however victims are still coming forward as recently as last year.
Their delay in speaking out shows the severity of the stakes and recurrent trauma that Weinstein inflicted upon these victims.
Another notable case is film director Woody Allen and his alleged history of abuse and molestation within his own family.
During his career, Allen was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood and had familial ties to his victims.
Allen’s adopted step-daughter, Dylan Farrow reported she had been groomed and harassed by Allen since at least 7 years old.
These allegations gained public attention in 2016, however the claims of misconduct started in 1992. The Chicago Tribune reported a timeline of more than 20 years of events in a July 19, 2016 article.
After years of investigation and public awareness, a new HBO documentary series titled “Allen vs. Farrow'' premiered on Sunday. The series examined the allegations and Allen’s corruption as a mainstream Hollywood director.
By highlighting these stories, the documentary sends a message to the public that although these cases took time to be recognized, they aren’t excusable or forgotten.
Actor Shia LaBeouf has also been accused of emotional and sexual abuse.
As of this month, LaBeouf has separated from his talent agency, Creative Arts Agency, and is seeking treatment, according to a Dec. 11 report filed to the Superior Court of California.
LaBeouf was originally accused of physical abuse by musician Tahliah Debrett Barnett, his ex-girlfriend, also known as FKA Twigs in the December lawsuit. Following the news, this pattern of behavior was echoed by more accusations from multiple other women.
Many young adults who grew up watching LaBeouf's films, including “Holes” and “Transformers,” will be shocked to realize this problematic behavior can exist even in figures they looked up to.
Similar to the characters in the Netflix miniseries, many powerful men of real-life Hollywood exhibit repeated patterns of sexual abuse and manipulation.
This sick, inappropriate behavior is enabled by the superiority complex and hierarchy that exists within an industry where many naive young people aspire to make names for themselves.
