Asia Argento condemns Weinstein in fiery Cannes speech, warns others
What's the story
In a rousing #MeToo speech at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival 2018, Italian actress Asia Argento called out disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in an uncompromising manner. One of Weinstein's first accusers, Argento said, "In 1997, I was raped by Harvey Weinstein here at Cannes." She also issued a warning to other sexual offenders. Here's more on what she said.
Details
"This festival was his hunting ground"
Argento, who was invited on stage to present the Best Actress Award, said, "I was 21 years old. This festival was his hunting ground." "I want to make a prediction: Harvey Weinstein will never be welcomed here ever again. He will live in disgrace, shunned by a film community that once embraced him and covered up for his crimes," she added.
Context
Argento to sexual predators: We know who you are
Pointing out that Weinstein wasn't the only predator, Argento said, "Even tonight, sitting among you, there are those who still have to be held accountable for their misconduct against women." "You know who you are. You don't belong in this industry. Most importantly, we know who you are, and we aren't going to allow you to get away with it any longer," she added.
Information
She almost became the face of the #MeToo movement
Argento first disclosed that she had been raped by Weinstein in The New Yorker expose in October last year. She also revealed that an attempted rape scene in her film 'Scarlet Diva' (2000) was based on the incident.
Twitter Post
Read the full text of her speech here
This is the speech I wrote and spoke out loud tonight at Cannes. For all the brave women who came forward denouncing their predators, and for all the brave women who will come forward in the future. We got the power #metoo pic.twitter.com/ttJN1pNFxR
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) May 19, 2018