Meryl Streep Opens Up About Her Experience With Harassment And Why She's Done Being Targeted
Three months after Harvey Weinstein was outed as a sexual predator, Hollywood is still trying to make sense of the epidemic and find new ways to make the studio environment a safe place for its workers.
One person in particular who was unwillingly swept up in the scandal was Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep. Streep was a long time collaborator with Weinstein and was just as shocked as everyone else when the disgraced producer's horrific secrets were brought to light.
Unfortunately, the Devil Wears Prada actress received backlash for stating she wasn't aware of Weinstein's actions and also for remaining silent on the matter. Streep has now decided to open up about her own personal experiences and why she's tired of being targeted.
Streep's Choice
Streep worked with Weinstein in different films such as August: Osage County and The Iron Lady. The esteemed actress recalled hearing about Weinstein's scandal during an interview with the New York Times the day the news broke. She gave a comment about the allegations four days after the news broke, stating that Weinstein's behavior was "inexcusable" and that not everyone was aware of these stories.
Streep was criticized by actress Rose McGowan, who claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 90's, for staying silent and for working with Weinstein. McGowan also claimed that there was no way Streep or, anyone else, didn't know about Weinstein's sexual misconduct.
The Deer Hunter wants the attention off of her and more focused on others who haven't given their thoughts or opinions on the sexual harassment allegations.
"I don't want to hear about the silence of me. I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump. I want to hear from her. She has so much that's valuable to say. And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now," Streep stated.
Streep has joined the latest movement against harassment and unequal pay in Hollywood, aptly named, "Time's Up". The actress may also be sporting an all-black gown at the Golden Globes with her fellow colleagues, which will signify unity amongst the celebrities in Hollywood.
Streep also brought up her experiences with sexual harassment in the past. The actress claimed that actor, Dustin Hoffman, grabbed her breast during the production of the film, Kramer v. Kramer. She also alleges the actor overstepped his boundaries and slapped her.
The 68-year-old actress elaborated that she was harassed by other men as well but doesn't want to "ruin someone's mature life."
"Back in the day, when everybody was doing cocaine, there was a lot of [expletive] behavior that was inexcusable. But now that people are older, and more sober, there has to be forgiveness, and that's the way I feel about it," she added.
Streep is currently nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the film, The Post, which also stars, Tom Hanks.
