First, let me say that the accusations against Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein are vile – I had the chance to interact with him throughout the 90’s, and he was belligerent, crass and known to be a bully towards journalists and filmmakers alike. However, I never heard about the sexual harassment allegations: that was something that was happening away from the awards/film festival spotlight I saw him in.
That said, one of the most important conversations coming out of this scandal involves Actresses who have come forward to discuss the “culture of harassment” that exists in the entertainment industry in general – and for generations.
Bravo Tippi Hedren!
Legendary Actress Tippi Hedren, star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” AND Melanie Griffith’s mother, has stepped out to reiterate what she has stated publicly in the past: Hollywood itself is the problem.
Here is what Hedren posted on Twitter:
Destroying The “Casting Couch Culture!”
Bravo to Hedren for joining the chorus of women who are challenging the reprehensible “culture of harassment” that exists the entertainment industry, which has allowed successful men to prey on those who are trying to break into the business – the idea of the “casting couch” is ingrained in Hollywood, and it’s time to end it.
Hedren has a terrific memoir that recounts her battles in Hollywood – a great book – and if you haven’t heard of this film she made, it’s a “must see” as well!
“ROAR” is an amazing movie – Hedren and her husband filmed in Africa among wild animals, and this incredible film documents the dangerous filming conditions…read about it here:
Hitchcock fans are rushing to his defense, and Hedren’s upcoming book will provide more on this subject. If you like this Director, one of his later films was quite the vicious thriller:
You can see more of this 70’s film here:
https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/09/frenzy-drowning-alfred-hitchcock-classic-movie-shocks/
Bravo to Tippi Hedren for adding her voice to this important issue!
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johnrieber 
Well look at what happened to Tippi and people like Mira Sorvino. I think it was right to fear your career would be compromised but I think more importantly people didn’t come forward because they could see it wouldn’t lead anywhere. Asia Argento wore a wire and had a recording that was given to police but again and again lawyers would get involved and everything would go away. Maybe as Pete mentioned, we know live in a more open world where change is coming. I hope so but I can’t help worry that this is just one fuckstain who’s getting caught now after years of abuse. There’ll be more and this will happen again. It took some very brave women to go public and then the dam burst but its human nature to hide away for the most part until somebody else steps forward and then the build up gets released. I’m horrified this stuff goes on, hopefully it will lead to change.
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Lloyd, you are right – if anyone spoke out they were blackballed – it took this sea of voices to force the abuse to be exposed, rather than covered up…I think a change is coming but it horrific that it has been allowed to exist for so long…my wife works in the entertainment industry as I do, and it’s a fact that women are ALWAYS harassed in some form or another – they have found a way to work past it
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They’re very strong and resilient.
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And I’m not suggesting that women haven’t reported it – it has been tackled on an individual basis, especially at companies that did NOT tolerate it – I’m just saying it’s pervasive, so when a female would interview a music, movie or TV personality there was always the potential for a subtle “come on”…again, certain people were known to be flirtatious – and people like Weinstein could set private “meetings” with aspiring Actresses away from eh spotlight, so these were happening without any awareness – because people didn’t speak out – and when they did, as the woman did in NY – they were covered up or she was attacked viciously in order to shut her up
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Nice job, John. Step by step women will no longer tolerate or will accept damaging harassment. Three cheers for Tippi.
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Yes Cindy. The culture in Hollywood has made this behavior acceptable, and there wasn’t a forum to speak out without hurting your career – even people like Angelina Jolie said she privately warned others, but didn’t go public because there would’ve been NO support for that action. Thanks for your comment, a sea change is underway here in Hollywood right now…
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Something we have all known about for so long. Today’s open culture has prompted people to be able to speak out, and the studios no longer have the power that they once wielded.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Absolutely Pete…
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