You may be wondering what these ladies are doing standing behind me.
What? You didn’t expect to see them here tonight? That may be because they weren’t invited.
I’m sure you recognize, for example, Rose McGowan, an outspoken victim of Harvey Weinstein. In fact, that’s something that each of these women have in common. They are all victims of Harvey Weinstein. So, imagine how odd, given the theme of the night, that they didn’t merit an invitation to our little event.
But I have something to say to them.
Actually, I have something to say to many of you.
If you, like these girls standing behind me, are a victim of Harvey Weinstein, please stand. If he has ever used his position of power to pressure you into unwanted sex, please stand. Go ahead. Just stand where you are. There is something I need to say to all of you…
Ladies, I have failed you.
I’ve known Harvey for many, many years. Not only have we worked together, I’ve even considered him a friend. I didn’t know everything that was going on. I didn’t know that he was using our friendship to groom young, aspiring women. But I had my suspicions. I didn’t know everything, but I knew enough to say something. And I didn’t.
For the past twenty years, I’ve been one of the most influential people in the world. I’ve had a platform reaching millions and millions of people. I could have said something. I could have done something. I could have hired an investigator. I could have stopped only God knows how many women, like yourselves, from falling prey to this man. I could have done something. I could have done anything. And I didn’t.
But this isn’t only about him. As all of us know, he is only the tip of the iceberg. I could have warned the world that Hollywood is ful of men like him – that it is a perverse and dangerous place, and that some people here will do anything to exploit you. I could have. But I didn’t.
I am sorry.
I am sorry for remaining silent when I should have spoken. I am sorry for being passive when I had the means to act. I am sorry for being an enabler of the atmosphere of abuse and exploitation that exists in Hollywood today. I am sorry for being complicit to the system which you are all victims of.
I do not know if Harvey Weinstein will ever apologize for what he has done to you. But for my part in it, I am truly sorry.
This world needs to change. And it’s not going to change by me standing up here telling you that the problem is “out there” when, in reality, I’m part of the problem. No. If the world is going to change, it’s got to start with me.
If you are hearing this, please know that I have no moral dictates. No demands. Only a plea. Please, join me in a commitment. A commitment to end silence. I commit here and now that if I see or suspect something, I will speak out. I will do something about it. I commit that I will no longer be a passive enabler of abuse, but an active agent against it.
I know that may sound scary. Many of you don’t like to rock the boat. You fear conflict. So do I.
But it’s not about us. It’s about them. (gesture to women standing)
We owe it to them.
Thank you.