Hollywood culture in disrepute

Hollywood has much to learn from the appalling allegations of predatory behaviour surrounding Oscar-winning producer Harvey Weinstein. For decades the film industry’s so-called “casting couch culture” — a euphemism for trading sexual favours for a career in films — was the butt of cartoonists’ jokes. But there is nothing funny in the sordid claims about Weinstein, an industry titan and producer of some of Hollywood’s most successful movies. He is a close friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack and Michelle Obama, and a leader of Tinseltown’s strong support for the Democrats.

For 30 years Weinstein used his powerful position to sexually harass women seeking a career. Some have described being invited for business meetings, only to be asked to massage him or watch him shower. In at least eight instances Weinstein has reached substantial financial settlements with victims. Weinstein, who has been fired by his own company, argues he came of age in the 1960s and 70s when the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different: “That was the culture.”

The US film industry has been brought into disrepute by the disclosure that for so many years Weinstein’s harassment was widely known yet protected by Hollywood’s cone of silence. This smacks of hypocrisy. Leading actors condemned Donald Trump in droves last year when allegations of sexual misconduct emerged. But nothing was said about Weinstein, who had a big role in Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Mr Obama allowed his 19-year-old daughter, Malia, to be employed as an intern in Weinstein’s New York office. In 2013, Michelle Obama said Weinstein was “a wonderful human being, a wonderful friend, and just a powerhouse”. As television producer Frank Rich has tweeted: “Biggest mystery of Weinstein story: how exemplary parents like Obamas let their daughter work there.” The Obamas are far from alone in overlooking the scandals. Nicole Kidman is one of many prominent actresses who avoided speaking out. Meryl Streep, who referred to Weinstein as “God” when accepting a Golden Globe, has now condemned him. So has Dame Judi Dench, who had a fake “JD loves HW” tattoo in 2011.

The allegations against Weinstein reflect poorly on Hollywood and its modus operandi. There should be no place for such dinosaurs in an industry that wields immense cultural influence worldwide.