Asia Argento was one of the first women that came out and accused movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, but according to one report, Agento is now the accused.
Jimmy Bennett, a former child actor, is claiming in a report to The New York Times that when he was 17-years-old, Argento assaulted him in her hotel room and paid him $380,000 to keep quiet. Argento’s role in making a stand against sexual assault and being a prominent voice for the #MeToo movement caused Bennett’s own memories to resurface of his own assault.
Asia became a spokesperson for sexual assault in Hollywood when she made a very passionate speech against Harvey Weinstein at Cannes Film Festival, and helped grow the #MeToo movement on social media.
“Even now, sitting among you, there are those that need to be held accountable for their conduct against women,” Asia said in her speech. What about the abusers for their conduct against men?
Asia and the entire #MeToo movement is now at a unique crossroads. Will the movement against sexual assault go after one of it’s own?
If her accusations against Weinstein are true, then he should absolutely be punished, regardless of any abuse Asia Agrento may have committed. If Asia, did abuse a young man as well, then she should be in similar trouble. She does not get a pass because of what was done to her.
Rose McGowan, another leading lady in the fight against Harvey Weinstein, posted a tweet on how she is heartbroken by the allegations against Asia Argento.
I got to know Asia Argento ten months ago. Our commonality is the shared pain of being assaulted by Harvey Weinstein. My heart is broken. I will continue my work on behalf of victims everywhere.
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 20, 2018
One thing is very clear; sexual abuse in Hollywood is rampant and out of control. What isn’t clear is what will happen to the #MeToo movement now that one of the accusers has become the accused.
What do you think should happen to Asia Argento? Let us know in the comments below.
