Penna Dexter

The Harvey Weinstein story provides fresh evidence that Hollywood’s feminist values do not make a better world for women. The open secret that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been getting away with harassing and assaulting, even raping women for three decades has now been exposed. This is a tale of intimidation of young women, payoffs, a conspiracy of silence and belated condemnations from major Hollywood players and powerful political figures. Feminist scolds Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda, and many others have long articulated principles that Hollywood itself does not live by. In Hollywood, females are notoriously paid less than males. Sure, “feminist” actors, actresses and many in Hollywood support abortion and are generous to Planned Parenthood. But, just ask Harvey Weinstein’s victims about the ‘right to make decisions about your own body.’ We learned from Bill Clinton, it’s easier to get away with abusing women if you say you embrace liberal and feminist causes. Harvey Weinstein did that. This past May, Weinstein pledged $100,000 to Planned Parenthood. He raised $1.6 million for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and $600,000 for President Obama’s 2012 campaign. Katrina Trinko of The Daily Signal wondered “shouldn’t Hollywood be a liberal utopia?” The investigative articles exposing Harvey Weinstein confirm it’s not. Ms. Trinko points out that The New Yorker piece was written by Ronan Farrow, who was raised by Woody Allen, “who continues to be tolerated by Hollywood after marrying his stepdaughter and being accused of child molestation by another daughter.” Even Weinstein’s now-defunct employment contract with The Weinstein Company upholds Hugh Hefner-style playboy values. It spelled out that, if sued for sexual harassment or any other “misconduct,” as long as Weinstein paid any settlements or judgments against him — plus a fine — the company would take no action. At the 2013 Academy Awards, host Seth Mac Farlane had some words for the Best Supporting Actress Nominees: “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey ‘Weinstein.” That mostly-feminist celebrity crowd laughed nervously.