Time’s up – but the excuses continue

BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN

Hollywood started the new year off by turning heads around the world.

Award show attendees are known for flamboyant attire in a range of rich hues. For weeks after the event, celebrity magazines and networks will continue to analyze cerulean satin and vermillion velvet.

However, numerous celebrities skipped their usual bright outfits for the 75th Golden Globe Awards ceremony on January 7. The kaleidoscope of colors that typically graces the red carpet was replaced with a more toned down palette of ebony, charcoal and onyx.

The choice to wear black to the ceremony was one made in support of Time’s Up, a movement against sexual harassment. Stars brought along activist guests, including #MeToo founder, Tarana Burke and former tennis player, Billie Jean King.

Though fashion enthusiasts may beg to differ, opting to wear black clothing is not revolutionary. The intention to bring awareness to an important cause is certainly commendable, but the surface-level commitment to the movement further highlights the hypocrisy that permeates the Hollywood industry.

Celebrities continue to condemn those accused of sexual harassment when it is convenient, then support or defend them in the next breath.

Such an example is Roman Polanski, a French-Polish film director known for works such as The Pianist and Chinatown. He has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault and harassment. Most notably, Polanski was accused of raping 13 year old Samantha Gailey in 1977. He was 43 years old at the time.

Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse, served 42 days in prison and then fled the country before formal sentencing. Polanski has avoided imprisonment by residing in countries such as Switzerland and Poland.

Celebrities continue to condemn those accused of sexual harassment when it is convenient, then support or defend them in the next breath.

Even with multiple other allegations of sexual assault made against Polanski, he continues to direct and act in films, with many even winning prestigious awards. Turning a blind eye to the glaring headlines, many well-respected actors and actresses in Hollywood have continued to work with him.

After an arrest in Zurich in 2009, over 100 of these celebrities signed a petition for his release. Some of the names on the petition included Harrison Ford, Wes Anderson and Penelope Cruz.

Interestingly enough, Penelope Cruz was one of the presenters at the recent Golden Globes Awards ceremony. She was dressed in all black.

One cannot say that they stand in support of Time’s Up when they have deliberately ignored the same actions that the movement denounces. Hollywood stars must confront the horrors committed by those that they continue to shield from justice.

Filmmaker Woody Allen has also faced serious allegations in the past. In 1992, he was accused of sexually molesting his own adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, when she was just seven years old.

Most people can agree that sexual assault allegations should be taken very seriously. But when it comes to those made against Allen, actors and actresses alike take comfort in their apparent ignorance on the matter.

In an interview with the New York Times, actress Kate Winslet attempted to explain her choice to star in Allen’s most recent film, The Wonder Wheel.

One cannot say that they stand in support of Time’s Up when they have deliberately ignored the same actions that the movement denounces. Hollywood stars must confront the horrors committed by those that they continue to shield from justice.

“… I didn’t know Woody and I don’t know anything about that family,” Winslet said. “As the actor in the film, you just have to step away and say, ‘I don’t know anything, really, and whether any of it is true or false.’ Having thought it all through, you put it to one side and just work with the person.”

Putting sexual assault allegations to the side should not be mistaken as a form of professional conduct. It is enabling the deplorable behavior of powerful men in the industry.

It is time for Hollywood to not only rebuke those that commit crimes of sexual harassment and assault, but also the bystanders that have let it happen for so long.

Time’s Up could be a step in the right direction for Hollywood. However, celebrities must continue taking strides to rid the workplace of the sexual harassment for this movement to mean something.

If Hollywood really wants to turn heads in 2018, it will stop glossing over the heinous accusations made against its own.

Photo courtesy of Time’s Up website