SEXUAL ASSAULT ‘Weinstein Effect’ goes global as men are accused
The sexual harassment and assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein that rocked Hollywood and sparked a flurry of allegations in other American industries, as well as the political arena, are reaching far beyond U.S. borders. Emboldened by the women, and men, who have spoken up, the “Weinstein Effect” is rippling across the globe.
Here’s a look at where the fallout has reverberated most strongly:
United Kingdom: The British government has been rocked by a series of harassment allegations that have led to one highlevel resignation — that of Defense Secretary Michael Fallon— and threatened the position of First Secretary of State Damian Green. The accusations have come from parliamentary researchers, staff and journalists.
Israel: Channel 10 journalist Oshrat Kotler revealed that Israeli media mogul and International Olympic Committee member Alex Gilady had made an “indecent” proposal to her during a job interview 25 years ago. Haaretz columnist Neri Livneh then added that Gilady exposed himself to her during a 1999 business meeting at his home. Two other women later came forward saying Gilady had raped them. He denied the rape accusations, said he doesn’t recall the Kotler incident but said Livneh’s claim was “mainly correct” and apologized.
Italy:The Weinstein scandal has been frontpage news ever since it broke because Italian actress Asia Argento was one of the main, named accusers in an expose by the New Yorker. Her accusation of rape generated a hostile backlash at home, with Italian newspaper editorials and commentary accusing her of creating trouble. But the scandal has taken on new life with accusations by 10 women that an Italian television and film director, Fausto Brizzi, molested them.
France: French women are denouncing alleged abusers with unprecedented openness, on social networks and in police stations around the country, where reports of rape, harassment and other abuse are on the rise. An online campaign under the hashtag #balancetonporc (“squeal on your pig”) kicked off in French even before the “#MeToo” campaign began in the U.S. and went viral globally.
South Africa: In South Africa, ex-member of parliament Jennifer Ferguson alleged she was raped in 1993 by Danny Jordaan, president of the country’s soccer association. Jordaan denied the accusation.
Canada: Gilbert Rozon, founder of Montreal’s renowned “Just for Laughs” comedy festival, recently stepped down as president of the organization following allegations from at least nine women he either sexually harassed or sexually assaulted them.
Peru: This year’s beauty pageant to select the country’s candidate for the Miss Universe competition was a surprise venue for denouncing gender-based violence against women. Instead of citing their body measurements, as is customary, each of the 23 contestants recounted statistics about the mistreatment of women in the South American nation.