In the aftermath of the sexual assault and harassment scandals that have ripped through Hollywood in recent months, we're saddened to hear yet more #MeToo stories being told from our favourite A-listers. It just shows how far spread the endemic of inequality goes.
In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Jennifer Lopez has opened up about her own experience of harassment, revealing she was one asked by a director to undress in front of them for one of her earlier films.
'I haven't been abused in the way some women have,' she revealed. 'But have I been told by a director to take off my shirt and show my boobs? Yes, I have. But did I do it? No, I did not.'
Earlier this year, following Kate Upton's claims of abuse by Guess co-founder Paul Marciano, the Lopez opened up about her feelings on harassment. The mother-of-two revealed that she doesn't 'condone any acts of sexual harassment, violation, or misconduct'.
However, in her new interview, she reveals she initially found it difficult to find her voice as a young actress and speak out about her experience.
'When I did speak up, I was terrified,' she says. 'I remember my heart beating out of my chest, thinking, "What did I do? This man is hiring me!" It was one of my first movies. But in my mind I knew the behaviour wasn't right. It could have gone either way for me. But I think ultimately the Bronx in me was like, "Nah, we're not having it."'
Too often women don't come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct for fear of distrust or claims they're lying.
We're glad to see Lopez using her position of power and fame to speak out about her ordeal so that other women can find similar strength to call out injustices.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
