[OPINION] The dark cloud of #MeToo over Oscars
The world is preparing to celebrate outstanding performances in the motion picture industry during this weekend's Academy Awards, but controversy is certain to make an appearance on the red carpet amid the claims of sexual assault in the industry.
No one can forget Oprah's powerful speech praising the #MeToo movement at the 2018 Golden Globes. It dominated the night.
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's former company, the Weinstein Company, has filed for bankruptcy. It's too early to say whether their downfall is directly connected to the claims of sexual assault against Weinstein. But it's no speculation that the most prestigious film award ceremony will be clouded by the accusations.
He has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.
The man who conducts a lot of the high-profile interviews on the red carpet, Ryan Seacrest, has not also been hit with allegations of sexual assault. He has denied any wrongdoing, but some actresses have indicated that they won't be speaking to him ahead of the ceremony.
As for Weinstein, the former chairman suffered another blow following reports that his insurer is refusing to pay his legal bills. Variety reported that Weinstein has at least eleven sexual harassment lawsuits against him.
What is clear is the even though the company could be dubbed "embattled", it has in the past raked in numerous awards. The company also faces accusations that it failed " to protect its employees from pervasive sexual harassment, intimidation, and discrimination." It is mind-blowing to think this is the same company that produced films such as The Artist, The King's Speech and The Iron Lady!
Maybe it is too soon to wonder when it will be okay to celebrate motion pictures again without the Weinstein-elephant in the room?
There is no doubt that the victims deserve justice. But we also need to feel it is okay to celebrate the best the movies have to offer.
It's not about silencing the victims but not allowing negative energy, which has stolen so much already, to stink up the room. The industry has done so much over the past year to create awareness around sexual harassment, that I hope the honouring of great actors and actresses will be the order of the day in Los Angeles on Sunday.