McAdams among Toback accusers
Canadian adds her name to more than 200 others alleging sexual misconduct
LOS ANGELES Canadian actress Rachel McAdams and U.S. actress Selma Blair have joined the growing list of women alleging that writer and director James Toback sexually harassed or assaulted them.
The Los Angeles Times details the accounts of 38 other Toback accusers. Since Oct. 22, the number has ballooned to more than 200. Toback has denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, in her first public comments since accusing producer Harvey Weinstein of rape, actress Rose McGowan said Friday she won’t remain quiet about sexual assault and harassment.
“I have been silenced for 20 years,” she said. “I have been slut-shamed, I have been harassed, I have been maligned, and you know what? I am just like you. What happened to me behind the scenes happens to all of us in this society. It cannot stand and will not stand.”
McAdams met Toback at age 21 when just starting out in the business. After an audition he told her he wanted to workshop with her. They met in his hotel room where she said the conversation quickly turned sexual.
“He said, ‘You know, I just have to tell you. I have masturbated countless times today thinking about you since we met at your audition,’” McAdams said. He later asked if she would show him her pubic hair. McAdams said she eventually excused herself.
“I was very lucky that I left and he didn’t actually physically assault me in any way,” she said.