Ashley Judd, a prominent actress and one of the earliest voices to accuse film producer Harvey Weinstein of harassment, continues her unwavering fight for justice.
Despite facing setbacks, she remains resolute in her legal battle against the influential movie mogul. Speaking in New York recently, Judd emphasized that the lawsuit is not just about her but a cause that impacts everyone. She clarified that, contrary to some discussions, the aspect of harassment is still under consideration by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, despite a dismissal of one of the accusations last January.
Participating in the "Women in The World" summit alongside fellow activists advocating for equality and women's rights, Judd discussed the victories and challenges of the feminist battlefield, drawing from her personal experiences. Her testimony regarding a 1996 incident where Weinstein attempted to harass her during a business meeting at a Beverly Hills hotel was a pivotal moment, as it sparked a cascade of allegations against the producer, ultimately leading to legal action.
Despite a recent court decision to dismiss the harassment charge, Judd revealed that the court of appeals will now assess whether Weinstein, as a producer, can be held criminally liable for alleged harassment. Judd emphasized, "There is no debate whether he did it; even he admits it."
The audience, predominantly composed of women, applauded Judd as she expressed gratitude for having shared her story from the beginning. She recounted how she initially revealed the incident to her father and then to others, only to be met with indifference or reluctance to listen until her story caught the attention of journalists from The New York Times nearly two years ago.
Judd sees herself as a fighter, and speaking out is her way of fighting and growing. She is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at combatting issues related to women's reproductive health. Her mission is characterized by indefatigable dedication.
While the "Me Too" movement drew significant momentum from women in Hollywood, Judd believes that the work of "Time's Up," the resulting advocacy organization, is universal. She recently introduced a bill to the U.S. Congress called "Be Heard," which includes a range of proposals designed to combat harassment.
In the midst of stringent abortion laws enacted in several conservative states, Judd disclosed her own personal experience with abortion and surviving assault three times. She expressed gratitude for having access to safe and legal abortion, underscoring the importance of safeguarding reproductive rights.
The actress also weighed in on another hot-button issue in the U.S., the allegations of unwanted touching against former Vice President Joseph Biden. Judd remarked that a photo of one such incident at the 2016 Oscars makes her uncomfortable and suggests a paternalistic and condescending attitude. She highlighted the significance of personal boundaries and the need for clear communication, especially when it comes to issues of bodily autonomy.
At the event organized by Tina Brown, former editor of Vanity Fair, Judd engaged in a debate with authors and activists, Rebecca Traister, Sarah McBride, and Brittney Cooper. Cooper eloquently summed up the essence of feminism, stating, "Feminism doesn't take anything away from you; it gives you a language to fight. Patriarchy is the real problem."
