By ADMIR DURAKOVIC
Staff Writer
Amidst the hysteria surrounding the sexual assault claims against prominent Hollywood figures such as Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K. and Kevin Spacey, a few cases have gone surprisingly under the radar.
Page Six, a website that covers news about entertainment, politics and sports, had reported that according to a Hollywood source, “Wonder Woman” star Gal Gadot had reportedly come out and declared she will not return to her superhero role if Brett Ratner is still financing and pro ting o of her movies.
Brett Ratner has been accused of sexual harassment from six women after allegations were published in the Los Angeles Times. Of the six women, two are actresses Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn. Ratner has produced, financed or directed movies including “Rush Hour” and “X-Men: The Last Stand.”
Gadot has taken a rm stance on this issue and Warner Bros. appears to be on her side, and for good reason.
A movie that champions a pro-feminism message shouldn’t be earning money for someone who has abused woman throughout his career. It’s a simple equation, and Gadot expressed this when she went on the Today Show to respond to an article claiming she demanded Ratner’s exclusion from the sequel.
“But the truth is, there’s so many people involved in making this movie, it’s not just me, and they all echoed the same sentiments,” Gadot said. “Everyone knew what was the right thing to do, but there was nothing for me to actually come and say, ’cause it was already done before this article came out, you know?”
The director of “Wonder Woman,” Patty Jenkins, who awarded Ratner with the Jewish National Fund’s highest humanitarian award at a gala before the story broke, tweeted, “I am extremely distressed to read these terrible allegations against Brett Ratner. When I spoke of Brett, I spoke of my own experiences with him, which were not these at all.” Jenkins was brought in to present the award to Ratner after Gadot backed out from the gala shortly before.
Gadot also posted a message to Instagram, reading, “Bullying and sexual harassment is unacceptable! I stand by all the courageous women confronting their fears and speaking out. Together we stand. We are all united in this time of change.”
It makes sense and it’s very inspiring to see actresses like Gadot using their platform to strike down sexual harassment within the industry. It’s also refreshing to see someone in Hollywood who holds a position with power use her status to fight for the overall good of humanity.
Gadot has become the shining light in the DC comic extended movie universe and even if Warner Bros. didn’t agree with her stance on the situation, they can’t afford to let her go and be forced to reboot the entire DCEU.
Another DC producer has also gotten into trouble over sexual harassment claims, however this is a problem pertaining to the small screen.
“Supergirl” and “Flash” executive producer Andrew Kreisberg has been suspended by Warner Bros. amid sexual assault allegations. Nineteen different women who are current/former employees in a variety of positions for the DC TV shows, requested to remain anonymous. “Supergirl” star Melissa Benoist and “Arrow” star Emily Bett Rickards have come out with statements condemning Kreisberg and other producers who may have known of the situation and remained silent.
Sexual abuse is not only a problem in the entertainment industry, but it’s nice to see actors taking a stand, even against their own bosses. When people in the entertainment industry sexually abuse others, it’s because of the positions they hold and they think that their status will protect them from exposure. Now we are seeing people with influence get what they deserve for their abuse of power.
