In 2020, Harvey Weinstein was sent down for sexual assault and will likely spend the rest of his life in jail. However, in 2012, he was the toast of Hollywood, receiving a wealth of support and praise from his industry colleagues. In fact, prior to his downfall, Weinstein was mentioned more than god in acceptance speeches, according to a Vocativ study. Well, Meryl Streep decided to amalgamate the two in 2012.
When Streep won the Best Actress Golden Globe for her role in “The Iron Lady,” she waltzed on stage and paid homage to her fellow nominees. In a quip that aged as badly as her role in “The Laundromat” (she was accused of donning blackface), Streep then said, “I just wanna thank my agent Kevin Huvane and God, Harvey Weinstein, the punisher, Old Testament, I guess,” before letting out a cackle.
Although Streep claimed in a statement to HuffPost that she had no idea about Weinstein’s predatory behavior, the remark appears tasteless and more than a tad inappropriate given the horrific crimes the former movie mogul was found guilty of. Speaking to The Times, MeToo activist Rose McGowan claimed it was “literally impossible” for Streep not to know about Weinstein’s abuse. Meanwhile, Newsweek argued that Streep’s condemnation of Weinstein was odd considering that she called him a god just five years earlier. Perhaps, as with so many figures in Hollywood, the Oscar-winner merely found herself duped by the shady movie producer.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Nicki
