Women in Hollywood band together at ‘Variety’ power lunch
Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer and fellow Hollywood stars called for solidarity at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon on Friday in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal rocking Hollywood.
Honoree Spencer made note of the timing from the stage of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel during her speech. Weinstein was fired from The Weinstein Company a week ago after an explosive New York Times investigation detailed decades of sexual harassment accusations against the producer.
“This past week, the film industry awoke to a scandal that rocked us to our core. Scores of brave women came forward and recounted stories of sexual ha- rassment perpetrated by a producer who had abused his power for nearly three decades,” Spencer told the crowd, her voice shaking with emotion.
The actress said she was looking for the positive side of the news.
“As a result, women across the world are banding together, leading the charge to ensure these
victims are heard and policies are changed,” she said.
Paltrow, one of the first actresses to come forward to say she was harassed by Weinstein, was one of the first speakers at the lunch, introducing honoree Michelle Pfeiffer.
In her short address, Paltrow said the luncheon was “timely.”
“I feel very honored to be among you all, and, after many decades, to feel the support and the coming together in the industry this week,” she said.
Pfeiffer spoke of the benefits of the Environmental Working Group, the science-based organization for which she serves that analyzes common products for health risks. But Pfeiffer took a moment to honor Paltrow.
“I would be remiss for not applauding you for speaking out,” Pfeiffer said as the crowd erupted in applause. “It took a lot of courage, from all of you.”
Producer/director Judd Apatow kicked off the event with his own attack on the “creep” Weinstein.
“This is going to lead to a new examination of how women have been treated in our industry,” Apatow said. “It takes no effort not to be a creep. I’ve never been a creep. I’m proud of that. People say, ‘What will become of Harvey Weinstein’s company?’ To which I reply, ‘Who gives a (expletive)?’ Shut it down!”
Honoree Priyanka Chopra spoke about her work with UNICEF and about one director early in her career who tried to force her to take a part for terrible pay.
“If I didn’t, he said he would just replace me, because girls in the entertainment industry are replaceable,” Chopra said. “That’s when I decided to make myself irreplaceable.”
Variety co-editor in chief Claudia Eller referred to Weinstein as “despicable” and said the revelations will be a catalyst for change that could lead to the eradication of a “sick epidemic” that has been part of Hollywood for decades.
“This abuse of power, this sense of entitlement from these powerful, privileged men — this is not new. What is new is women are speaking up. The cover-ups, those days are over.”