Latest news with #post-MeToo
Sydney Morning Herald
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
From Epstein to Trump, rich and powerful men have a vulnerable-women problem
The existence of a so-called Jeffrey Epstein 'client list' matters, of course. As do the political implications of the long-running saga of the paedophile financier, whose death by suicide in 2019 turbocharged the conspiracies already swirling about a secretive cabal of the wealthy and powerful, and the lengths they would go to protect their secrets. Given that the men rumoured to have been 'gifted' vulnerable girls trafficked by Epstein were friends or associates, rather than paying clients, one might assume that Epstein knew better than to keep such a list anywhere other than in his own head. The obsessive focus on this list, along with a trove of court and other documents relating to the criminal investigation against Epstein, diverts attention away from what should trouble us most: Why Epstein got such a kick out of abusing underage girls, and why he got away with it for decades. In this post-Me Too era it's worth examining whether Epstein is a particularly egregious case of a much broader phenomenon. The profile of Epstein's victims, of which there are said to be more than 1000, is familiar to us already, should we care to look. A vulnerable young woman, sometimes from a troubled background, sometimes in need of cash, aspires to make something of her life. In awe of the obscene wealth, status, clout or celebrity of a powerful, older male who, implausibly at first, suggests friendship. He might explicitly offer to use his influence, or such assistance might be implied. Favours are sought, then they are compelled. There is a kind of implicit blackmail, only sometimes articulated, about what might happen should she try to break free or, heaven forbid, alert others to what she has been led to believe she has been complicit in, and guilty of. Does this remind you of Harvey Weinstein, that other notorious case recently back in the courts? What about 'Diddy' Combs, convicted this month of 'transportation to engage in prostitution' during more than a decade of abuse of several women including young singer Cassie Ventura, whom he started dating when she was 19 years old (he was 37)? Then there's fellow Grammy-winning rapper R. Kelly, serving concurrent 20- and 30-year prison sentences for child sex abuse, sex trafficking and racketeering. Among Kelly's many victims was deceased pop star Aaliyah, whom Kelly illegally married when she was 15 years old. Mohamed al-Fayed. Russell Brand (allegedly). Neil Gaiman (allegedly). Bill Cosby. Jimmy Savile. Rolf Harris. Larry Nassar. Loading Groupies and gold-diggers have been around forever, and all of these men could have potentially leveraged their wealth, power or status to have their pick of such women in an entirely consensual fashion, as unpalatable as that may be to some. So why is it that the more influence a man accrues, the seemingly higher the likelihood he will become an abuser? And why do many of these men seem to get off on targeting vulnerable women in particular? There is no single typology of a paedophile or sex abuser, but the research on the nexus between sex and power does provide clues. Studies have demonstrated that feelings of power enhance pre-existing sociopathic tendencies, and that 'men who associate sex with power are more likely to use power to get sex '. Men who hold misogynistic or dehumanising views of women have also been shown to be more likely to perpetrate sexual violence. A combination of both 'high levels of power motivation' and 'strong power-sex associations' is considered a predictive factor for aggressive sexual behaviour. This brings us to that other high-profile guy recently convicted of sexual assault, who also has a lengthy history of misogynistic, dehumanising and allegedly abusive behaviour toward women: Donald J. Trump. The president's infamous 'grab 'em by the pussy' and the remark preceding it, 'when you're a star, they let you do it', suggests that, like the other wealthy and influential men I've mentioned, he strongly associates sex with power.
The Age
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
From Epstein to Trump, rich and powerful men have a vulnerable-women problem
The existence of a so-called Jeffrey Epstein 'client list' matters, of course. As do the political implications of the long-running saga of the paedophile financier, whose death by suicide in 2019 turbocharged the conspiracies already swirling about a secretive cabal of the wealthy and powerful, and the lengths they would go to protect their secrets. Given that the men rumoured to have been 'gifted' vulnerable girls trafficked by Epstein were friends or associates, rather than paying clients, one might assume that Epstein knew better than to keep such a list anywhere other than in his own head. The obsessive focus on this list, along with a trove of court and other documents relating to the criminal investigation against Epstein, diverts attention away from what should trouble us most: Why Epstein got such a kick out of abusing underage girls, and why he got away with it for decades. In this post-Me Too era it's worth examining whether Epstein is a particularly egregious case of a much broader phenomenon. The profile of Epstein's victims, of which there are said to be more than 1000, is familiar to us already, should we care to look. A vulnerable young woman, sometimes from a troubled background, sometimes in need of cash, aspires to make something of her life. In awe of the obscene wealth, status, clout or celebrity of a powerful, older male who, implausibly at first, suggests friendship. He might explicitly offer to use his influence, or such assistance might be implied. Favours are sought, then they are compelled. There is a kind of implicit blackmail, only sometimes articulated, about what might happen should she try to break free or, heaven forbid, alert others to what she has been led to believe she has been complicit in, and guilty of. Does this remind you of Harvey Weinstein, that other notorious case recently back in the courts? What about 'Diddy' Combs, convicted this month of 'transportation to engage in prostitution' during more than a decade of abuse of several women including young singer Cassie Ventura, whom he started dating when she was 19 years old (he was 37)? Then there's fellow Grammy-winning rapper R. Kelly, serving concurrent 20- and 30-year prison sentences for child sex abuse, sex trafficking and racketeering. Among Kelly's many victims was deceased pop star Aaliyah, whom Kelly illegally married when she was 15 years old. Mohamed al-Fayed. Russell Brand (allegedly). Neil Gaiman (allegedly). Bill Cosby. Jimmy Savile. Rolf Harris. Larry Nassar. Loading Groupies and gold-diggers have been around forever, and all of these men could have potentially leveraged their wealth, power or status to have their pick of such women in an entirely consensual fashion, as unpalatable as that may be to some. So why is it that the more influence a man accrues, the seemingly higher the likelihood he will become an abuser? And why do many of these men seem to get off on targeting vulnerable women in particular? There is no single typology of a paedophile or sex abuser, but the research on the nexus between sex and power does provide clues. Studies have demonstrated that feelings of power enhance pre-existing sociopathic tendencies, and that 'men who associate sex with power are more likely to use power to get sex '. Men who hold misogynistic or dehumanising views of women have also been shown to be more likely to perpetrate sexual violence. A combination of both 'high levels of power motivation' and 'strong power-sex associations' is considered a predictive factor for aggressive sexual behaviour. This brings us to that other high-profile guy recently convicted of sexual assault, who also has a lengthy history of misogynistic, dehumanising and allegedly abusive behaviour toward women: Donald J. Trump. The president's infamous 'grab 'em by the pussy' and the remark preceding it, 'when you're a star, they let you do it', suggests that, like the other wealthy and influential men I've mentioned, he strongly associates sex with power.
Express Tribune
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Pedro Pascal targeted by suspected smear campaign during Fantastic Four press tour
While promoting The Fantastic Four: First Steps worldwide, Pedro Pascal is now facing what appears to be a suspicious smear campaign on social media. Despite his growing popularity in 2025, a wave of criticism has emerged online, with some users accusing the actor of inappropriate behavior during press events—particularly in interactions with co-star Vanessa Kirby. How does Pedro Pascal get away with heavily petting his female costars, in Hollywood of all places, after the entire industry was upended over MeToo several years ago? — John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) July 23, 2025 A viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which received over 47,000 likes, questions Pascal's physical affection with female co-stars, drawing comparisons to Hollywood's post-MeToo era. This backlash arrives as online discourse grows increasingly wary of coordinated takedowns, especially following long-running public conflicts like the one between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. In that case, Baldoni was accused of orchestrating a doctored social media smear campaign—raising public awareness about how such efforts can be manufactured. I know an artificial smear campaign when I see one — and Pedro Pascal is being targeted. Probably because he's so well-loved by so many, and an advocate for trans rights. — 𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚍𝙰𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎 🇨🇦 (@LeaveHeardAlone) July 24, 2025 The Pedro Pascal hate campaign that suddenly sprung up over night has got to be the most obviously coordinated and botted attack I've ever seen. It's literally the Superman monkey meme incarnate — Mischief (@MischiefsYT) July 24, 2025 Some users have linked the sudden shift in sentiment toward Pascal to his recent vocal opposition to J.K. Rowling's anti-trans views. While no direct connection has been proven, many fans suspect a broader, possibly bot-driven campaign is targeting the actor. 'The Pedro Pascal hate campaign... is the most obviously coordinated and botted attack I've ever seen,' one user wrote on X, garnering thousands of likes. this whole pedro pascal thing is just revealing that most men cannot fathom intimacy and affection without the promise of sex — ellaa (@EllaaKates) July 25, 2025 I think most of the anger directed at Pedro Pascal is men not knowing what consent is — evan loves worf (@esjesjesj) July 25, 2025 Vanessa Kirby, Pascal's co-star, addressed the criticism in Vanity Fair. Referencing their hand-holding moment during 2024 Comic-Con, she said, 'He wanted me to know we were in this together... I found it a lovely gesture.' Actor Simu Liu also weighed in, criticizing 'manufactured hate' and defending Pascal's character during what he called a 'moment of extreme visibility.' manufactured hate for someone simply because they're experiencing a moment of extreme visibility (ie a press tour they're contractually obligated to do) is really fucking boring. — Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) July 26, 2025 Despite the backlash, Pascal remains in demand, appearing this year in The Last of Us Season 2, The Fantastic Four, Materialists, and Ari Aster's Eddington.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fatima Sana Shaikh on casting couch and Me Too in Bollywood: 'It's not like the industry is bad, but lines do get blurred when you have become intimate'
Fatima Sana Shaikh, who is known for her roles in Dangal, Ludo, Thugs of Hindostan and Sam Bahadur, has once again spoken out about the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the casting couch in the entertainment industry. The actress recently shared her views on how things have evolved in the post-Me Too era, and how much further there still is to go. 'There's more accountability now' When asked about being one of the few in Bollywood to address the issue openly, Fatima acknowledged that the landscape has changed. 'I think things have changed. People are much more accountable. They are a little more fearful,' she said in an interview with Humans of Bombay. She noted that most film sets today have designated personnel or units in place to address sexual misconduct complaints before they escalate to police cases. She also pointed out that conversations around these issues are now taken more seriously. 'There is a conversation. There is an investigation... it exists in every industry,' Fatima added. 'The lines are sometimes blurred' Fatima offered a nuanced view of how misconduct can sometimes exist in grey areas, especially when power dynamics or blurred personal boundaries come into play. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'You are working with someone, you have become intimate. But then you don't understand, the lines are blurred. Then there is the dynamic of the power,' she explained. While advocating for thorough investigation before passing judgment, she also maintained that the benefit of the doubt is often, and rightly, given to women. 'Because it is a male-dominant industry. And now, after Me Too , women can talk about it... You will be held accountable.' 'I haven't faced this in Bollywood' Clarifying her own experience, Fatima stated that while she has spoken of uncomfortable situations in the past, particularly in her younger years, she has never directly faced sexual misconduct within the Bollywood ecosystem. 'It's not like the industry is bad. Any incident that has happened, it's just been this one little, small-time somebody and some conversation,' she said. She was quick to emphasize that issues like these are not exclusive to film sets. In fact, she pointed out that the problem is equally, if not more, severe in the corporate world. 'Corporate is life when you are together. So there, it's even more rampant... and even more toxic,' she said. Fatima Sana Shaikh recalls when she got epilepsy seizures in a flight: 'I'm lucky that I survived' 'Amazon and Netflix are very specific about Posh training' Fatima praised the preventive measures adopted by major platforms like Amazon and Netflix, revealing that every project backed by them includes mandatory PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) awareness sessions for cast and crew. 'Somebody will come from this agency… you will have a meeting with the cast, crew, and all the HODs. You will be told what your rights are, what is appropriate, what is not,' she explained. She added that most reputed production houses now conduct these sessions as standard practice, a move that she believes is a positive step toward safer work environments. 'People are being held accountable for their actions — not only in our industry, but in corporate and beyond. And that is what progress looks like,' she concluded.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Surveen Chawla on impact of #MeToo movement on casting couch in the industry: 'It is important to have the fear of...'
Surveen Chawla candidly discussed her past experiences with the casting couch in the entertainment industry, noting a positive shift post-MeToo with the rise of ethical casting practices and stricter laws. She credits casting agencies for prioritizing talent and skills, contributing to a safer, more inclusive environment on sets for everyone, emphasizing the importance of protocols and intimacy coordinators. In a bold and thoughtful conversation with ETimes, Surveen Chawla opened up about navigating the darker corners of the entertainment industry, including her past encounters with the casting couch . Reflecting on how the landscape has shifted post the MeToo movement, she shed light on the rise of ethical casting practices, the role of accountability, and the growing importance of safe, inclusive sets. She has been very candid and honest about facing the casting couch throughout her career. Reflecting on whether this issue still exists today, she admits that she hasn't encountered it recently and isn't sure what newcomers might be experiencing now. Surveen said, "I have always been very candid and honest regarding the casting couch. I don't know if it still exists or not because I haven't had an experience in the recent past. And I don't know what newcomers are going through at this point in time—but it was tough. It was very difficult. MeToo, I'm sure, has helped the cause because it's important—I think, in all fairness, it's important—to have the fear of casting based on the couch." Regarding how the industry has evolved, Surveen said'I think it's all been positive. So it seems from the outside; I don't know. I believe people are relying on casting agencies and getting more serious casting agencies in the business today. You're getting chosen, selected based on your talent, on your skills—no matter where you come from, no matter what your power position is in the industry. If you fit the bill, you fit the role, you get the part. ' She added, "And I think that process needed to be authentic. And it's looking positive. It's looking positive because, no matter what, there are times when stars or actors are still going for a test because the director wants to really see and decide based on what you're doing in the test—whether you fit the bill or not. So I think that would be the right way to approach casting. And I would like to credit—I'm not taking names—but I would like to credit casting agencies who've been doing such a phenomenal job at it. " Surveen believes these changes have contributed to the decline of the casting couch, though she remains cautious: 'I think somewhere that has played a huge role in casting couch being on the decline, if I may say so. I don't know—I don't think I'd be the right person to say that.' She also points out that these issues are being rightly addressed today. 'And I'm glad they are being addressed in the way that they are because laws are stricter—whether it's man or woman or whatever gender. And that's how it needs to be. There has to be some kind of protocol that needs to be followed—with the advent of intimacy coordinators as well.' Reflecting on the past, Surveen added, 'A lot of troubling things happened on sets—not in my experience, but I've heard a lot of times, you know, back then maybe. So I think the protection and the safe environment for people working on set—for women working on set, for men working on set—is of utmost importance today. So I'm glad that it's being acknowledged.' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
