Weinstein effect reaches far beyond U.S. borders

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 women and men who have spoken up, the “Weinstein effect” is rippling across the globe.

Nearly half of the #metoo hashtags have come from outside the U.S., and decades-old accusations have led to the downfall of some countries’ most powerful men. Here’s a look at where the fallout has reverberated most strongly.

Britain

The 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, a vital ally of Prime Minister Theresa May.

The accusations have come from parliamentary researchers, staff members and journalists. Some have said the political parties involved failed to take action and actively discouraged victims from going to police. Claims range from unwanted touching — a hand placed on a journalist’s knee, for example — to allegations of rape.

Israel

The floodgates opened this month when, during a TV panel discussion about the harassment in Hollywood, 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.

Then veteran Israeli media personality Gabi Gazit addressed the allegations dismissively on his daily radio show, prompting Dana Weiss — another prominent local TV journalist — to accuse him of just such behavior.

Other women have also made claims against Haim Yavin, Israel’s most famous anchor, who is now retired.

Italy

Scandal has taken on new life with accusations by 10 women that an Italian television and film director, Fausto Brizzi, molested them. An investigative TV show reported initial accusations without naming the director last month, but a follow-up report Sunday named Brizzi. He has strenuously denied having non-consensual sex.

The Weinstein scandal has also drawn attention to Italian law, which requires that a victim of sexual assault report the crime within six months of the act.