Jennifer Lawrence did not get personally assaulted or harassed by Harvey Weinstein.
But that doesn’t mean the actress can’t relate to those who allegedly and unfortunately did undergo this horrible experience.
As has been well documented over the past several days, Weinstein is accused of paying off eight women over the years in exchange for their silence over his sexual misconduct.
But countless others have spoken out and claimed the movie producer either treated them inappropriately or even raped them.
The sordid situation has is made even worse by the apparent fact that many Hollywood insiders (from actors… to directors… to writers…) were well aware of Weinstein’s behavior.
They just chose to ignore it.
In response to the ongoing situation, actresses are admirably sharing their own stories of abuse.
Reese Witherspoon, for example, says she was assaulted by a director at the age of 16.
America Ferrera says she was assaulted by a much older man at the age of 9.
And Lawrence detailed an example of the pressures young actresses face in the industry while speaking last night at an Elle’s Women in Hollywood event.
“When I was much younger and starting out, I was told by producers of a film to lose 15 pounds in two weeks,” Lawrence said, prior to revealing something even more heinous about the audition.
“During this time a female producer had me do a nude line-up with about five women who were much, much, thinner than me. We are stood side-by-side with only tape on covering our privates…
“After that degrading and humiliating line-up, the female producer told me I should use the naked photos of myself as inspiration for my diet.”
Yes, this really happened.
And we’re sure many other female stars have similar stories.
Lawrence went on to say she tried to stand up for herself, telling another producer she thought the weight loss demands were not appropriate.
“He said he didn’t know why everyone thought I was so fat, he thought I was ‘perfectly f-ckable.”
This is what the person told Lawrence in her defense.
Lawrence did not identity the people involved.
But she said she felt “trapped” by the ordeal.
“I let myself get treated a certain way because I felt like I had to for my career,” she continued.
“I was young and walking that fine line of sticking up for myself without being called difficult, which they did call me, but I believe the word they used was ‘nightmare."”
“Every human being, no matter how successful they are, should have the power to be treated with respect because they’re human…
“In a dream world, everyone is treated with the exact same level of respect, but until we reach that goal, I will lend my ear, I will lend my voice to any boy, girl, man or woman who does not feel like they can protect themselves.”
After the Weinstein story came to light, Lawrence also released the following statement:
“I was deeply disturbed to hear the news about Harvey Weinstein’s behavior,” she said. “I worked with Harvey five years ago and I did not experience any form of harassment personally, nor did I know about any of these allegations.
“This kind of abuse is inexcusable and absolutely upsetting.”
“My heart goes out to all of the women affected by these gross actions. And I want to thank them for their bravery to come forward.”
