Analysis has shown that the #MeToo movement shook, and is still shaking, power structures in society’s most visible sectors. If you were wondering what women have been so angry about all these years, then this last month must have been eye-opening for you.
The #MeToo as a movement kicks against sexual harassment and sexual assault. The phrase “Me Too” was initially used in this context on social media in 2006, on Myspace, by sexual harassment survivor and activist Tarana Burke.
The movement which came into being as a result of the widespread media coverage and discussion of sexual harassment, particularly in Hollywood, led to high-profile firings, as well as criticism and backlash.
According to reports, there are about 201 cases of prominent men who lost their main jobs, significant leadership positions or major contracts; when their victims called them out publicly in the news reports.
Nearly half of their replacement in various capacities taken over by women.
These men had often gotten away with it for years, and for those they harassed, it seemed as if the perpetrators would never pay any consequences.
With the Harvey Weinstein being the locus classicus of all other cases; how it changed the corridor of power. This kicked off the #MeToo movement and a good stock taken has shown at least 920 people have come forward to say that one of these men subjected them to sexual misconduct.
Women are starting to gain power in organizations that have a history of harassment, with potentially far-reaching effects. As such, here is a list of the high-profile men who have been accused of sexual harassment, assault, and/or misconduct in recent times.
Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein, producer, and co-founder, the Weinstein Company on, October 5, 2017; was accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to abuse and rape.
A Manhattan jury has found Weinstein guilty of third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act on Feb. 24, 2020, and acquitted him of predatory sexual assault. Weinstein is scheduled for sentencing on March 11 and faces 5 to 25 years in prison.
However, Mr. Weinstein, who was fired from his film production company, has said all of his encounters were consensual. The Weinstein Company has gone bankrupt and was bought and rebranded as Lantern Entertainment. Andy Mitchell and Milos Brajovic took over as Co-president.
Eelive has followed every bit of Harvey Weinstein’s trial.
R. Kelly
In May 2018, two women came forward to accuse R&B icon R. Kelly of sexual abuse. Both women join others who have accused Kelly of inappropriate acts.
Over the past two decades, he has been sued for reported sexual contact with minors. EElive reported he went to court over making a sex tape with a minor. He was eventually acquitted.
In the summer of 2017, he was the focus of a Buzzfeed report which alleged that he had created a “cult”; where he reportedly “held women against their will“. Kelly has denied all accusations.
Activists, joined recently by groups like Time’s Up, launched #MuteRKelly back in summer 2017; a campaign to call attention to the allegations against Kelly. Ava DuVernay, Lena Waithe, and John Legend have since tweeted their support for its mission.
In an April 30, 2018, statement, the women of color subcommittee within Time’s Up wrote; “The scars of history make certain that we have no interest in persecuting anyone without just cause.“
“With that said, we demand appropriate investigations and inquiries into the allegations of R. Kelly’s abuse made by women of color and their families for over two decades now.”
The embattled singer has however been denied bail and his trial date set for May 2020
Comedian Bill Cosby
In 2018 on 3 counts of aggravated assault for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004; sentenced to 3–10 years in state prison, which he is currently serving. Cosby appealed the conviction in late June.
In a lengthy appeal of the sex assault conviction that landed him in prison, complaining the testimony of five other accusers was “strikingly dissimilar” to the pending felony charges and should not have been aired in court.
The appeal Tuesday challenges Judge Steven O’Neill’s view that the women’s testimony showed “chilling similarities” and pointed to a “signature” crime.
Roy Price
Roy Price, Head of Amazon Studios resigned after a Hollywood producer Isa Hackett accused him in 0ctober 2017 of making unwanted sexual advances.
Although, Price declined to comment on the allegations. But a representative for Amazon gave The Hollywood Reporter a statement when the publication’s story broke.
“We take seriously any questions about the conduct of our employees. We expect people to set high standards for themselves. Also, we encourage people to raise any concerns. And we make it a priority to investigate and address them. Accordingly, we looked closely at this specific concern and addressed it directly with those involved,” the statement read.
Price resigned from Amazon Studios five days after the THR published the story. In February 2018, Jennifer Salke (formerly of NBC) replaced him.
Tony Robbins
On May 17, 2019, BuzzFeed News published a year-long investigation into famous self-help guru Tony Robbins; in which former female fans and employees accused him of inappropriate sexual advances.
Former employees swore under oath that if he had sexually harassed them; it was by repeatedly pursuing them after they made their disinterest clear. Also, two other women who worked as his assistants said Robbins expected them to work alone with him; during which he was naked in his hotel room or in the shower.
The report also including accusations that Robbins berated victims of abuse during self-help sessions. This was based on leaked recordings, internal documents, and dozens of interviews.
“She’s fucking using all this stuff to try and control men,” he reportedly said after one woman said she had been raped. In 2018 another woman said her husband was physically violent and emotionally abusive.
BuzzFeed reports that Robbins then accused her of “lying” and asked, “Does he put up with you when you’ve been a crazy bitch?”
How these allegations will affect Robbins’ global self-help business are, as yet, unknown.
Matt Lauer
At the top of the Today Show on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb delivered a live message to viewers. They revealed that NBC News chairman Andrew Lack wrote in a staff memo that there was a “complaint from a colleague.
This was about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. Though it was the first made against the journalist and morning host during his 25-year career with NBC; Lack wrote: “We have reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
Lauer, 59, got the boot from NBC on November 28, 2017, the day before the Today Show‘s announcement. On May 16, 2018, People reported that Lauer and his wife, Annette Roque, were “on the brink of a divorce”. Lauer’s NBC colleague gave a detailed description of her encounter; alleging that during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Japan, Lauer anally raped her.
Opera Star, Placido Domingo
Spanish opera star Placido Domingo has withdrawn from planned performances of La Traviata at Madrid’s Teatro Real; following complaints that he sexually harassed women.
Over the last three decades, more than three dozens singers, dancers, and musicians, and many others; have said they witnessed or experienced inappropriate behavior by Domingo towards women at different opera houses.
Although, he had apologized, in Europe many venues stood by the singer, at least until this week. But, Spain’s culture ministry has canceled his performances in the operetta “Luisa Fernanda” at Zarzuela Theatre in Madrid.
Many U.S. institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the San Francisco Opera; canceled planned engagements with Domingo soon after. He then resigned as general director of the Los Angeles Opera.