After the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein, the #MeToo movement erupted and Hollywood has not been the same. More victims felt the courage to come forward and share their stories, raising awareness of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace. Many powerful figures have been exposed, facing possible legal action, and losing their careers in disgrace.
Countless celebrities have supported the #MeToo movement and condemned Weinstein. But the disgraced film executive does have one high profile defender: Lindsay Lohan. Yes, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. And yes, this year he was arrested on charges of rape and sexual assault. But last year the Mean Girls actress defended him in a late-night Instagram video.
"I feel very bad for Harvey Weinstein right now. I don’t think it’s right what’s going on. He’s never harmed me or did anything to me. We’ve done several movies together. I think everyone needs to stop. I think it’s wrong. So, stand up."
Weinstein may not have harmed Lohan, but more than 80 women claim he harmed them, and that includes famous actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. She "feels bad" for the abuser, but not the victims. After getting an angry backlash, Lohan deleted her pro-Weinstein videos.
Now the 32-year-old actress has spoke out on the issue again. In an interview with The Times, Lohan made controversial comments about #MeToo movements. She argues that when women speak out about sexual misconduct, they look "weak."
"I don’t really have anything to say. I can’t speak on something I didn’t live, right? Look, I am very supportive of women. Everyone goes through their own experiences in their own ways.
"If it happens at that moment, you discuss it at that moment. You make it a real thing by making it a police report. I’m going to really hate myself for saying this, but I think by women speaking against all these things, it makes them look weak when they are very strong women.
"You have these girls who come out, who don’t even know who they are, who do it for the attention. That is taking away from the fact that it happened."
Lohan's comments did not go over well, much like every movie she's made since 2005. Twitter users pointed out that it takes tremendous strength for victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment to come forward. By doing so, they risk getting blacklisted by powerful figures in the entertainment industry. Also, they face online harassment from skeptics who think they are 'lying' just to 'get attention.' If the victims of sexual misconduct, don't speak out, then the cycle of abuse will continue, and justice will never be served.
Lohan is currently developing a reality show for MTV, with the working title of Lohan Beach House. The show will follow the actress and her employees at a beach house in Mykonos, Greece. Maybe she will offer more insightful critiques of the #MeToo movement in between yelling at employees about shoes.