That 70s’ Show actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he was found guilty at a retrial in May. Masterson was initially accused of rape in 2017 during the #MeToo movement's height. He consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the encounters were consensual.
Since The New York Times exposé on Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment allegations in 2017, a huge wave of change has prevailed in Hollywood. In the wake of the movement, 87 actresses summoned the courage to share their own stories, shedding light on not only Weinstein but also other prominent figures in the industry.
Angelina Jolie, for instance, recounted her unsettling encounter with Weinstein when she was just 23, vowing never to work with him again and to warn others about his behavior. However, the statute of limitations means that some cases will never reach criminal court, while others are still playing out, like the civil case against Prince Andrew for his alleged involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking ring.
One common thread among survivors' stories is the shared belief that they deserve to be heard and supported. While Hollywood has made strides in better protecting performers on and off-set, the combination of power and financial influence continues to silence victims in many cases. Meanwhile, the legal system has yet to catch up with the urgency of convicting predators.
Recently, accusations have emerged against Jonah Hill. His ex-girlfriend, Sarah Brady, described him as "emotionally abusive" and a "misogynist narcissist." Following her revelations and the subsequent media attention, Alexa Nikolas, known for her role in Zoey 101, accused Hill of sexual assault when she was 16 and he was 24.
In a separate case, UFC star Conor McGregor faces allegations of sexual assault after a recent NBA finals game. The alleged victim's attorney claims that McGregor forcibly assaulted her in a men's bathroom.
Earlier this year, Percy Hynes White, star of "Wednesday," faced accusations of sexual assault on Twitter. A woman detailed her experience, alleging White assaulted her and her friends when they were between 17 and 20. Two other women came forward with similar accounts, accusing White and his friends of hosting parties to exploit intoxicated women.
These allegations have sparked discussions about White's involvement in "Wednesday" Season 2, as Netflix refrained from issuing a statement.
In a recent Instagram post, White addressed the accusations, vehemently denying their veracity and expressing gratitude for those who supported him. He emphasized the harm caused by baseless allegations and the importance of distinguishing truth from misinformation.
As Hollywood grapples with the lasting repercussions of #MeToo, survivors and their stories remain at the forefront, reshaping an industry that was once characterized by silence. The journey towards justice and accountability continues, underscoring the imperative need for systemic change and unwavering support for survivors.
