Introduction: The Weinstein Effect

Harvey Weinstein (Getty Images, 2017)

It’s no secret that Hollywood has its skeletons, or even that it has a bad reputation for its treatment of women, but the past two months have been a dramatic revelation. When Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor reported in the New York Times that the media mogul Harvey Weinstein had “paid off sexual harassment accusers for decades”, they were opening the door to countless more allegations, against Weinstein and other Hollywood names.

In October, Tom Hanks told the BBC that this is a “watershed moment”, and I have to agree. The initial reports were seen as a call to arms for mistreated women throughout Hollywood to speak out, and speak out they did – from Weinstein company employees to big-name stars such as Rose McGowan and Cara Delevigne. Men rose up too, the first being Anthony Rapp accusing celebrated actor Kevin Spacey, in an interview with Buzzfeed News, of assaulting him in 1986 when Rapp was only 14. 

It didn’t stop there. Over the past weeks, countless allegations have been levelled against powerful men; here’s a comprehensive list, regularly updated. At the time of writing, the list consists of 55 names, many of whom have multiple allegations against them. Reading through, it’s clear just how widespread this systemic harassment was. Added to the #MeToo campaign that erupted on social media, it's clear that sexual harassment in the workplace is something that has been widespread in Western society for decades and it was about time we discussed it properly. To some, it was a surprise, but to many there was no hesitation is accepting the mounting allegations.

As the allegation train slows, it’s clear that there is one big question which this blog aims to address; what’s next?

The fallout it already starting. Weinstein was fired from a company he co-founded, Spacey is being cut from material left, right and centre, and allegations have spread out of Hollywood and into Parliament. This blog will explore the way the film and television industry is changing as a result of this scandal and whether for better or worse. This issue is so widespread that fundamental changes seem set to happen, but will the established system allow it? I'll be exploring it all in the coming weeks.

What do you think about the state of the industry since the allegations? Will anything really change? Comment with your thoughts, and let's keep this discussion going!

Read more:
- The stories of all the women who have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct
- The New Yorker's thorough report of multiple women's stories about Weinstein, 10th Oct 2017
- Variety on whether this scandal can change Hollywood's secrecy culture
- Five top industry women discuss with The Hollywood Reporter what needs to change in Hollywood

See 'Bibliography' tab on home page for all references.