Blythe Danner Jumps To Gwyneth Paltrow’s Defense Over Harvey Weinstein Accusations
Even as the sexual assault allegations continue to mount against Harvey Weinstein, there is still some stigma associated with coming forward. A recent article called out Gwyneth Paltrow over her own story of sexual misconduct perpetrated against her, particularly because it would seem as though Gwyneth profited by the situation. Understandably irate over that insinuation, Blythe Danner, the mother of Ms. Paltrow and also an actress, has come forward in a rant of her own.
Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Roasted Over Her Story Of Sexual Misconduct
Gwyneth Paltrow joined the chorus of accusers, saying that Harvery Weinstein sexually propositioned her in a hotel room, when she was just 22. As W Magazine reports, a reporter for The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, was quick to criticize that confession and victim shame Gwyneth over the accusations. Dowd’s criticism of Paltrow points to the fact that she seemed to have dismissed the incident in favor of becoming Weinstein’s “first lady” for the film production studio.
The New York Times writer points to the fact that Gwyneth went on to enjoy success for a great many years as an actress with The Weinstein Company. The article suggests Gwyneth was not harmed by Harvey’s sexual advances. To the contrary, Dowd states that Paltrow seemed to have “no qualms” about continuing to work for Harvey Weinstein, even after the incident.
Blythe Danner Fires Back At Maureen Dowd In An Op-Ed For The New York Times
US Weekly reports that Gwyneth’s mother saw the article in the newspaper and was understandably outraged. In fact, Blythe Danner took no time at all in penning a response to Maureen Dowd, which was published as an opinion piece, also in The New York Times.
“I cannot remain silent while Maureen Dowd disparages my daughter, Gwyneth Paltrow, for the manner in which she chose to handle Harvey Weinstein’s attempt at a sexual encounter when she was 22,” Danner begins her response.
Blythe goes on to reveal that her daughter, while momentarily put off by the encounter, didn’t let it define her future with The Weinstein Company. She describes Gwyneth’s reaction as a defiant one, resisting Harvey’s threats to remain silent. In fact, Ms. Paltrow almost immediately told her talent agent and her then-boyfriend, Brad Pitt, about the unsettling encounter.
On the incident to which Gwyneth initially referred, she says Harvey Weinstein invited her up to his hotel room for a meeting and, while there, he suggested they give each other a massage. When the young actress refused the offer Weinstein became irate and Ms. Paltrow says she feared he might fire her on the spot.
In her opinion piece, Blythe suggests that the media and female writers, in particular, stop casting suspicion on accusers of sexual misconduct. Instead, Danner hopes women will come together and take steps to ensure these kinds of things no longer happen.
[Featured Image by Mihael Buckner/Getty Images]
