By KELLI KNIGHT

In February, LaFASA offered a viewing of the movie “She Said.” It’s the biopic of courageous journalists who helped bring down Harvey Weinstein, co-founder of Miramax films. Weinstein was once touted as the most powerful person in Hollywood. Based on the book of the same name by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the movie chronicles their investigation into Weinstein’s predatory behavior and the subsequent unraveling of his empire.

Stories of sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation flow in a steady stream in news media and social circles. These stories reveal a pervasive culture of silence and complicity at multiple levels that allows powerful individuals to perpetrate their crimes unchecked. Under this veil, Weinstein used his leverage to sexually assault countless women without recourse.

“She Said” is particularly significant because it authentically establishes the power dynamics that were at play when accusers confronted Weinstein. For decades, he operated with impunity, using his influence and resources to silence his victims and intimidate those who dared to challenge him. His control went beyond the careers of women in Hollywood, but with a single phone call to any DA’s office or news media outlet, he could silence an accuser; countless people didn’t cross him for fear of the loss of their entire career. The non-disclosure agreements (NDA)s were numerous and notorious for taking away all rights and autonomy of survivors, in fact many women were not even allowed to hold a copy of their agreements.

“I’m Harvey Weinstein, you know what I can do.”

“I am a man who has great resources.”

“I have ears and eyes everywhere!”

“One phone call and you’re done.”

_{From the original article: Weinstein’s Complicity Machine
By MEGAN TWOHEY, JODI KANTOR, SUSAN DOMINUS, JIM RUTENBERG and STEVE EDER DEC. 5, 2017}

While the movie is insightful, entertaining, and well done, its importance transcends the details of how the “giant” Harvey Weinstein, was taken down. The takeaway of this movie is to not be afraid, because it is possible to “behead” giants. It sends a clear message to speak out, to seek justice, and to those who abuse their power: no one is above accountability, no matter how influential or well-connected they may be. It can be done.

Because of the work done by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the landscape is changing. Specifically, Harvey Weinstein was brought to trial in New York and in February of 2020 at age 70, he was found guilty on two counts of indecent assault and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Subsequent charges were brought against him in California in 2022 and he was convicted on three of seven charges brought against him. In February 2023, he was sentenced to 16 years in jail, which will begin consecutive to the 23 year sentence.

The movie viewing was a great way to come together and provide an avenue to empower survivors and individuals. Look for more events like this in the future.