Salma Hayek has written a compelling account of the sexual harassment and intimidation she allegedly faced from Harvey Weinstein, claiming the producer sought a vast range of measures to exert control over the actress and producer.
For The New York Times, Hayek writes that she did not fully express her experiences earlier because so many women had already come forward with their own horrific personal histories, but “the mere fact that I was ashamed to describe the details of what I had forgiven made me wonder if that chapter of my life had really been resolved.”
Stating that Weinstein’s company Miramax was a haven for compelling cinema, she decided to lobby him to produce Frida – her passion project on the hugely influential Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.
“He had taken a chance on me — a nobody. He had said yes,” Hayek writes.
Little did I know it would become my turn to say no.
No to me taking a shower with him.
No to letting him watch me take a shower.
No to letting him give me a massage.
No to letting a naked friend of his give me a massage.
No to letting him give me oral sex.
No to my getting naked with another woman.
No, no, no, no, no …
And with every refusal came Harvey’s Machiavellian rage.
Hayek states that were it not for her personal relationship with Hollywood heavy-hitters Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney, Weinstein’s alleged actions may have escalated to rape.
She also outlined details of the personal vendetta Weinstein waged against Frida, including excessive constraints on its budget, script re-writes, and a demand for a full-frontal nude scene.
“It was clear to me he would never let me finish this movie without him having his fantasy one way or another. There was no room for negotiation,” Hayek writes, adding that Weinstein’s insistence on filming the scene provoked a nervous breakdown.
Frida won two Academy Awards and landed Hayek a Best Actress nomination; she writes “when I saw him socially, I’d smile and try to remember the good things about him, telling myself that I went to war and I won.”
But she ponders why she had to fight so hard just to produce her work – and why so, so many women have experienced the same sickening manipulation in the film industry, and more broadly.
It’s a powerful piece that adds a specific insight into the kinds of twisted control Weinstein allegedly exerted during his decades-long career. You can read it in full HERE.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for access to 24/7 support.
