Hollywood women launch effort to fight harassment

Women in Hollywood are welcoming the new year with resolution.

In response to the sexual harassment allegations that have rocked the industry, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Shonda Rhimes, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman and hundreds of others have unveiled Time’s Up, an initiative dedicated to confronting abuse of power and promoting workplace equality.

Monday’s announcement was accompanied by a pledge of support to working-class women in a full-page ad in The New York Times and La Opinion.

The open letter noted that members realize their reach may help others, saying: “We also recognize our privilege and the fact that we have access to enormous platforms to amplify our voices. Both of which have driven widespread attention to the existence of this problem in our industry that farmworker women and countless individuals in other industries have not been afforded.”

The letter acknowledges early support from the National Farmworker Women’s Alliance after the floodgates opened on news about sexual harassment and abuse of power in Hollywood.