Billie: My doubts about Hollywood’s MeToo movement
BILLIE Piper has spoken of her doubts over the authenticity of the online ‘sisterhood’ – and questioned Hollywood’s #MeToo movement.
The former Doctor Who star condemned attacks against actresses and the ‘sickening’ way agents allowed it to happen ‘like pimps’.
But the 35-year-old said she has ‘reservations’ about how women were showing solidarity online – criticising the ‘judgy’ way they treat each another despite outwardly appearing supportive.
And she said much of social media is about women looking ‘oversexed’, adding: ‘That doesn’t feel like feminism to me.’
Speaking candidly about the rise of the #MeToo movement following allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, she told Style magazine: ‘I find the abuse of power really upsetting, but if I’m honest, what I find really sickening is all the agents subjecting their clients to it, knowing full well what’s going on. Like sanctioned pimping.
‘But at the same time, it comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s not just about ... grabbing you. Let’s say I know a lot of head-strong actors and actresses wanting to get something, who wouldn’t say they’re victims of this.’
The actress, who starred as a prostitute in ITV drama Secret Diary of a Call Girl, also spoke about the ‘whole sisterhood thing’ on social media. She said: ‘I have my reservations. Under the guise of being all supportive and there for each other, women can be very judgy and competitive.’
She added: ‘I’m also not sure how much we have moved on anyway. A lot of social media is about women looking really oversexed. That doesn’t feel like feminism to me. Like, this whole thing of, “I’m liberated enough to bare my [backside]” doesn’t remotely cut it with me.’
The mother of two also said she had been ‘over-sexualised’ as a young pop star in the 1990s.
‘That doesn’t feel like feminism’