In a shocking revelation, Salma Hayek has penned a detailed letter for The New York Times, joining the growing list of women accusing Harvey Weinstein of harassment.
The actress narrates her distressing experience, particularly during the production of "Frida," and Weinstein has vehemently denied all allegations.
Beginning her letter, Hayek acknowledges Weinstein's multifaceted persona, describing him as a "passionate film buff, risk-taker, promoter of film talent, loving father, and a monster." She discloses that, for years, Weinstein was her "monster," recounting her hesitance to speak out earlier due to a sense of survival and an assumption that her testimony might not make a difference.
Despite maintaining a cordial relationship with Weinstein, whom she refers to as a man who deeply hurt her, Hayek chose to break her silence inspired by others who have spoken out against harassment. She highlights the societal context, including Donald Trump's election victory, that influenced her decision to share her story.
Reflecting on her ambitions, Hayek recalls her initial aspiration to share Frida Kahlo's story. At the time, Weinstein's Miramax empire seemed like the ideal platform, given his reputation as a trailblazer in bringing original content to large audiences. She had seen him as a man of intellect, a loyal friend, and a family man, questioning whether her friendship had saved her from potential harm.
Hayek reached an agreement with Weinstein, securing royalties and a minimum fee for her work. However, her nightmare began with a barrage of proposals, which she courageously rejected. The actress details numerous instances of unwanted advances, including explicit proposals and even threats of violence.
The accusations escalate as Hayek claims Weinstein demanded absurd things and, in a fit of rage, threatened to kill her. When she resisted his advances, Weinstein allegedly attempted to remove her from the "Frida" project, trying to replace her with another actress. Feeling devalued and objectified, Hayek turned to her lawyers, but the harassment persisted during filming.
Weinstein allegedly criticized Hayek's performance, attempting to alter Frida Kahlo's characterization and asserting that her only asset was her attractiveness. Despite facing immense pressure and challenges, Hayek persevered, ultimately completing the film. The actress's revelations shed light on the power dynamics and abuses prevalent in the film industry, adding her voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding harassment and misconduct.
