Weinstein Controversy Opens Floodgate For Hollywood–And Soap–Women

The casting couch is an old phrase referring to men asking for sexual favors in order for women to secure a TV or film role. The phrase goes back to Hollywood of even a century ago and still has use today, as evidenced by the allegations against Miramax founder and famed producer Harvey Weinstein.

Since the news broke last week of alleged sexual harassment claims regarding the producer (and settlements he made), women from all walks of Hollywood life–including several former soap stars–have come forward to talk about their experiences just trying to land a role and do their job.

On Tuesday, Hollywood A-Listers Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, among others, came forward in a New York Times article, to discuss unwanted sexual advances by Weinstein when they were younger and just beginning their careers.

The New Yorker also published a harrowing story on Tuesday with both named and anonymous women claiming Weinstein did everything from sexually harass to sexually assault them. Three women even claimed they were raped.

This has opened the floodgates for actresses to start speaking out wherever they–including social media-can against behavior all too prevalent in Hollywood–and in many workplaces across the country.

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From former General Hospital actresses Sarah Brown and Amber Tamblyn to movie stars who got their start on soaps like Julianne Moore (Frannie/Sabrina, As the World Turns), women want the truth out there.

See their tweets below:

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