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.
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:
1. Coming forward about sexual abuse and coercion is scary and women have nothing to be gained personally by doing so.
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) October 9, 2017
1. Coming forward about sexual abuse and coercion is scary and women have nothing to be gained personally by doing so.
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) October 9, 2017
So now we must say the next thing that needs to be said.
It’s times to press charges against Harvey Weinstein. https://t.co/xicS8Zl5ui
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) October 10, 2017
My girl @lenadunham with the TRUTH: “Men of Hwood, what are you sorry for? What will you refuse to accept anymore?” https://t.co/OaksZatTMk
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) October 10, 2017
#This!!! Yes, please. I’d like to personally tell you what I’ve seen at Disney & ABC if you’re prepared to fix it! ???????? https://t.co/XZKBSIJKQz
— Sarah Joy Brown (@sarahjoybrown) October 11, 2017
I reported a Director who assaulted me several years ago my representative advised me it was best not to make trouble if I wanted to work.
— Sarah Joy Brown (@sarahjoybrown) October 10, 2017
You know so many other powerful offenders in this town are shaking with fear of being outed. Quite the house of cards https://t.co/1RDsc2RgX7
— Chrishell Stause (@Chrishell7) October 10, 2017
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