To battle sexual harassment in workplaces and to fight for gender equality, 300 Hollywood celebs and other entertainment industry players have joined forces to launch Time`s Up. 
 
The movement was announced on Monday in an open letter published in The New York Times.The initiative has already raised $13 million towards a legal defense fund to &quot;help survivors of sexual assault and harassment across all industries challenge those responsible for the harm against them and give voice to their experiences,&quot; according to the letter. 
 
Among the donors to the fund, according to a statement from Time`s Up, are actresses Jennifer Aniston, Kerry Washington, Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon, as well as producers Shonda Rhimes and J.J. Abrams, talent agencies Creative Artists and William Morris Endeavor, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg`s foundation.

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I stand with women across every industry to say <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TIMESUP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TIMESUP</a> on abuse, harassment, marginalization and underrepresentation. START YOURYEAR OFF RIGHT. Join me! Sign the statement of solidarity &amp; donate to the <a href="https://twitter.com/timesupnw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TIMESUPNW</a> Legal Defense Fund: <a href="https://t.co/BYckTp8eNm">https://t.co/BYckTp8eNm</a> <a href="https://t.co/pNfLvsz8xV">pic.twitter.com/pNfLvsz8xV</a>
&mdash; kerry washington (@kerrywashington) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerrywashington/status/947854500794175489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The New York Times reported that Time`s Up is requesting women to wear black to the Golden Globes as a way to speak out against inequality.The movement comes after several men in Hollywood face allegations of sexual misconduct, including Harvey Weinstein, Dustin Hoffman, Brett Ratner and Kevin Spacey.&nbsp;

The movement was announced on Monday in an open letter published in The New York Times.

To battle sexual harassment in workplaces and to fight for gender equality, 300 Hollywood celebs and other entertainment industry players have joined forces to launch Time`s Up. The movement was announced on Monday in an open letter published in The New York Times.The initiative has already raised $13 million towards a legal defense fund to "help survivors of sexual assault and harassment across all industries challenge those responsible for the harm against them and give voice to their experiences," according to the letter. Among the donors to the fund, according to a statement from Time`s Up, are actresses Jennifer Aniston, Kerry Washington, Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon, as well as producers Shonda Rhimes and J.J. Abrams, talent agencies Creative Artists and William Morris Endeavor, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg`s foundation. I stand with women across every industry to say #TIMESUP on abuse, harassment, marginalization and underrepresentation. START YOURYEAR OFF RIGHT. Join me! Sign the statement of solidarity & donate to the @TIMESUPNW Legal Defense Fund: https://t.co/BYckTp8eNm pic.twitter.com/pNfLvsz8xV — kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 1, 2018 × The New York Times reported that Time`s Up is requesting women to wear black to the Golden Globes as a way to speak out against inequality.The movement comes after several men in Hollywood face allegations of sexual misconduct, including Harvey Weinstein, Dustin Hoffman, Brett Ratner and Kevin Spacey.

'Time's Up': Women in Hollywood join hands to fight against sexual harassment

The allegations of sexual harassment against some of the biggest names in Hollywood should make people more watchful about what is going on, believes Hugh Jackman. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s shining a light in a really harsh and humiliating way that on some level everyone&#39;s involved. Everybody is involved ... I think now we all have to go, &#39;Hang on, I need to be more proactive ... 
 
&quot;I think there&#39;s often been, in the kind of way where a friend of yours is cheating on their husband, and you&#39;re like, &#39;I&#39;m not going to say anything about that. This is my friend,&#39; and actually: no. I think we all need to be a little more on guard, watching what&#39;s going on, protecting, and coming up with real practical solutions,&quot; Jackman, 49, told The Times in an interview. 
 
Producer Harvey Weinstein became synonymous with sexual harassment after the New York Times exposed his history of predatory behaviour against women in October last year.

The scandal had a domino effect in Hollywood with many powerful men such as Brett Ratner, James Toback, Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Piven facing similar career-ending accusations.

Producer Harvey Weinstein became synonymous with sexual harassment after the New York Times exposed his history of predatory behaviour against women in October last year.

The allegations of sexual harassment against some of the biggest names in Hollywood should make people more watchful about what is going on, believes Hugh Jackman. "It's shining a light in a really harsh and humiliating way that on some level everyone's involved. Everybody is involved ... I think now we all have to go, 'Hang on, I need to be more proactive ... "I think there's often been, in the kind of way where a friend of yours is cheating on their husband, and you're like, 'I'm not going to say anything about that. This is my friend,' and actually: no. I think we all need to be a little more on guard, watching what's going on, protecting, and coming up with real practical solutions," Jackman, 49, told The Times in an interview. Producer Harvey Weinstein became synonymous with sexual harassment after the New York Times exposed his history of predatory behaviour against women in October last year. The scandal had a domino effect in Hollywood with many powerful men such as Brett Ratner, James Toback, Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Piven facing similar career-ending accusations.

Hugh Jackman on sexual harassment: We need to be a little more on guard

Indian politicians have been infamous for promoting their children up the ladder but trust Bollywood to popularise the term &#39;nepotism&#39;. 
 
However, this was not the only word that made headlines as the film industry had its moment of reckoning with the Harvey Weinstein scandal exploding in Hollywood and terms such as pay disparity and feminism becoming a part of the debate in Bollywood. 
 
When actor Kangana Ranaut called director Karan Johar &quot;the flagbearer of nepotism&quot;, little did she know that it will replace its colloquial Hindi counterpart, &#39;bhai-bhateejawaad&#39;.

Similar to last year&#39;s buzzword &quot;intolerance&quot; that became a hashtag, &quot;nepotism&quot; was the word of 2017 for the industry. 
 
Karan gave it back to Kangana&#39;s volley and the chain reaction began, with - outsiders or star kids - being asked for comments related to the newest entrant in the lingo of the film industry. 
 
From Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Deepika Padukone to Alia Bhatt, almost every celebrity had one nepotism-related question waiting to be answered at media interactions. 
 
While male stars have ruled for decades, female actors have also started asserting themselves when it comes to equal pay and experimenting with roles, making the word &#39;feminism&#39; popular, but as Priyanka Chopra put it, the phrase is still misunderstood. 
 
&quot;There is movement but it is very nominal. We need to work so much more. In our country and across the globe, girls are treated as secondary citizen. They face violence and abuse everywhere. And feminism is a way to control that situation, but it has become a negative term,&quot; Priyanka told PTI. 
 
The cinema too reflected this change with women-centric films such as Lipstick Under My Burkha, Tumhari Sulu, Secret Superstar&nbsp;and Mom&nbsp;doing well at the box office this year. 
 
In Hollywood, Weinstein, once the nurturer of independent cinema, became synonymous with sexual harassment after the New York Times broke the biggest story of this year in October by alleging multiple sexual allegations against the now-disgraced media mogul. 
 
The expose was followed by a detailed piece by journalist Ronan Farrow for The New Yorker. 
 
Emboldened by the articles, more than 50 women, including powerful A-listers from Hollywood such as Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong&#39;o, Salma Hayek, Uma Thurman, Heather Graham, Eva Green, Lea Seydoux, came forward to share their horrific stories of sexual harassment at the hands of the producer. 
 
One of the most powerful men in Hollywood once, Weinstein&#39;s career is over and he has been thrown out of the company that he co-founded. 
 
The scandal had a domino effect in Hollywood with many powerful men such as Brett Ratner, James Toback, Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Pive, Mark Schwahn facing similar career-ending accusations. 
 
A tumultuous, but an equally introspective year is nearing its end. The first award ceremony of 2018 will take the issue of sexual harassment head on as both women and men of Hollywood have pledged to appear in black to address the ugly, dark side of the business. 
 
Here&#39;s hoping Bollywood gathers the strength to call out and exposes its Weinsteins in the coming years.&nbsp;

From Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Deepika Padukone to Alia Bhatt, almost every celebrity had one nepotism-related question waiting to be answered at media interactions.

Indian politicians have been infamous for promoting their children up the ladder but trust Bollywood to popularise the term 'nepotism'. However, this was not the only word that made headlines as the film industry had its moment of reckoning with the Harvey Weinstein scandal exploding in Hollywood and terms such as pay disparity and feminism becoming a part of the debate in Bollywood. When actor Kangana Ranaut called director Karan Johar "the flagbearer of nepotism", little did she know that it will replace its colloquial Hindi counterpart, 'bhai-bhateejawaad'. Similar to last year's buzzword "intolerance" that became a hashtag, "nepotism" was the word of 2017 for the industry. Karan gave it back to Kangana's volley and the chain reaction began, with - outsiders or star kids - being asked for comments related to the newest entrant in the lingo of the film industry. From Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Deepika Padukone to Alia Bhatt, almost every celebrity had one nepotism-related question waiting to be answered at media interactions. While male stars have ruled for decades, female actors have also started asserting themselves when it comes to equal pay and experimenting with roles, making the word 'feminism' popular, but as Priyanka Chopra put it, the phrase is still misunderstood. "There is movement but it is very nominal. We need to work so much more. In our country and across the globe, girls are treated as secondary citizen. They face violence and abuse everywhere. And feminism is a way to control that situation, but it has become a negative term," Priyanka told PTI. The cinema too reflected this change with women-centric films such as Lipstick Under My Burkha, Tumhari Sulu, Secret Superstar and Mom doing well at the box office this year. In Hollywood, Weinstein, once the nurturer of independent cinema, became synonymous with sexual harassment after the New York Times broke the biggest story of this year in October by alleging multiple sexual allegations against the now-disgraced media mogul. The expose was followed by a detailed piece by journalist Ronan Farrow for The New Yorker. Emboldened by the articles, more than 50 women, including powerful A-listers from Hollywood such as Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong'o, Salma Hayek, Uma Thurman, Heather Graham, Eva Green, Lea Seydoux, came forward to share their horrific stories of sexual harassment at the hands of the producer. One of the most powerful men in Hollywood once, Weinstein's career is over and he has been thrown out of the company that he co-founded. The scandal had a domino effect in Hollywood with many powerful men such as Brett Ratner, James Toback, Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Pive, Mark Schwahn facing similar career-ending accusations. A tumultuous, but an equally introspective year is nearing its end. The first award ceremony of 2018 will take the issue of sexual harassment head on as both women and men of Hollywood have pledged to appear in black to address the ugly, dark side of the business. Here's hoping Bollywood gathers the strength to call out and exposes its Weinsteins in the coming years.

'Nepotism' and 'sexual harassment': Words that dominated showbiz in 2017

Dressed in a red jumpsuit, Priyanka Chopra looked every bit of a superstar as she took center stage to speak at Penguin Annual Lecture on Tuesday evening in the capital. The actress spoke about breaking the glass ceiling and how she chased her dream and became a successful global star.

While the night was mostly about how her successful career and she being able to challenge a whole lot of stereotypes, the conversation also veered towards the raging issues of this year- the Padmavati row and the &#39;Me Too&#39; movement.

Priyanka mostly played safe while commenting on the issues and even explained that why Indian celebrities choose to keep mum about such things.

When a senior journalist prodded her to comment on the controversy around the release of Padmavati, PC stated that she supported Sanjaya Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone and hoped that the film would release. &ldquo; I did call them up and speak to them,&rdquo; Priyanka said and added, &quot;I hope that the film releases. And can be viewed by everyone else.&rdquo;

When she was asked why she chose not to make a statement publicly on the issue, Priyanka said, &ldquo;Because I as an individual feel used when my quote is run as a ticker on news channels. Have you not seen? The polarisation that happens not just in terms of religion but gender as well in this country- why are such questions asked to only actors and not to government authorities and politicians? What can an actor do to change what&rsquo;s happening in the country? I am as much a member of this civil society as you.&rdquo; Priyanka was referring to the whole anti-National debate that had ensued in 2016 against Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan for commenting on the polarisation that has taken place in the country.

&ldquo;I can have an opinion but I should not be pushed to a corner and made a scapegoat for it,&quot; the actress said.

When she was reminded how in Hollywood, actresses have come forward to speak out on issues- Priyanka said that there is a cultural difference in America which allows one to speak out. &ldquo;Meryl Streep could speak out against Trump because that&rsquo;s how the culture is. In India, we are very different. There are certain cultural boundaries here and we must respect that.&rdquo;

The actress also believed that the &lsquo;Me Too&rsquo; movement did not just cater to Americans but had an impact globally. Did she ever face anything similar here in India? &ldquo;I am very feisty. People get scared of me,&rdquo; the actress said but admitted, &ldquo;Yes I have been thrown out of films because someone else has been recommended. A girlfriend of the actor or the director was recommended instead- that&rsquo;s an abuse of power. I couldn&rsquo;t do anything about it because I did not have the power nor did I cater to the whims and fancies of certain powerful men, so I did lose out on projects.&quot;

The actress pointed out that often women who have faced sexual harassment cannot speak out because they do not have enough support. &ldquo;I urge such women to have someone who can stand with them at corner and give them strength to speak out.&rdquo;

The actress spoke on Padmavati row, the 'Me Too' movement and how she broke the glass ceiling at the Penguin annual lecture on Tuesday night.

Dressed in a red jumpsuit, Priyanka Chopra looked every bit of a superstar as she took center stage to speak at Penguin Annual Lecture on Tuesday evening in the capital. The actress spoke about breaking the glass ceiling and how she chased her dream and became a successful global star. While the night was mostly about how her successful career and she being able to challenge a whole lot of stereotypes, the conversation also veered towards the raging issues of this year- the Padmavati row and the 'Me Too' movement. Priyanka mostly played safe while commenting on the issues and even explained that why Indian celebrities choose to keep mum about such things. When a senior journalist prodded her to comment on the controversy around the release of Padmavati, PC stated that she supported Sanjaya Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone and hoped that the film would release. “ I did call them up and speak to them,” Priyanka said and added, "I hope that the film releases. And can be viewed by everyone else.” When she was asked why she chose not to make a statement publicly on the issue, Priyanka said, “Because I as an individual feel used when my quote is run as a ticker on news channels. Have you not seen? The polarisation that happens not just in terms of religion but gender as well in this country- why are such questions asked to only actors and not to government authorities and politicians? What can an actor do to change what’s happening in the country? I am as much a member of this civil society as you.” Priyanka was referring to the whole anti-National debate that had ensued in 2016 against Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan for commenting on the polarisation that has taken place in the country. “I can have an opinion but I should not be pushed to a corner and made a scapegoat for it," the actress said. When she was reminded how in Hollywood, actresses have come forward to speak out on issues- Priyanka said that there is a cultural difference in America which allows one to speak out. “Meryl Streep could speak out against Trump because that’s how the culture is. In India, we are very different. There are certain cultural boundaries here and we must respect that.” The actress also believed that the ‘Me Too’ movement did not just cater to Americans but had an impact globally. Did she ever face anything similar here in India? “I am very feisty. People get scared of me,” the actress said but admitted, “Yes I have been thrown out of films because someone else has been recommended. A girlfriend of the actor or the director was recommended instead- that’s an abuse of power. I couldn’t do anything about it because I did not have the power nor did I cater to the whims and fancies of certain powerful men, so I did lose out on projects." The actress pointed out that often women who have faced sexual harassment cannot speak out because they do not have enough support. “I urge such women to have someone who can stand with them at corner and give them strength to speak out.”

Have been thrown out of films because someone's girlfriend was recommended instead: Priyanka Chopra

Feminism may have emerged as Merriam-Webster&#39;s word of the year with women becoming more vocal about issues such as sexual harassment, but Priyanka Chopra believes most people still don&#39;t understand what feminism actually is. 
 
There is more talk and less action in the area of gender equality believes the 35-year-old star, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. 
 
The overuse of the words &quot;feminism and empowerment&quot; has belittled their essence, she said.

&quot;There is movement but it is very nominal. We need to work so much more. In our country and across the globe, girls are treated as secondary citizen. They face violence and abuse everywhere. And feminism is a way to control that situation, but it has become a negative term,&quot; Priyanka told PTI in an interview. 
 
For the actor, who has successfully crossed over to the American showbiz world with the television show Quantico&nbsp;and made her Hollywood debut with Baywatch, feminism is &quot;not about superiority but equality&quot;.

&quot;I believe a lot of people still don&#39;t understand the actual meaning of feminism. Feminism and empowerment are two words which people overuse, without even understanding the meaning properly.&quot;&nbsp;

Feminism for her, Priyanka stressed, is about women getting the opportunities that men have always enjoyed.

The fact that women are still &quot;judged&quot; for being ambitious bothers her, said the actor, who has created her own space in the Indian and the international entertainment industry.

Empowerment, she added, is about giving people the freedom to take stands for themselves. But at times girls are deprived of this freedom. 
 
&quot;People are conditioned in a way that for them the only job a woman has is to give birth to babies or take care of the home. I am not denying that this is what makes women so special. We have this power to give life. 
 
&quot;But we are still judged for being ambitious. This kind of conditioning also stops girls from dreaming big. This is a disheartening situation,&quot; she said.

It will take years for society to treat women as equal to men, but the shift in the mindset of the younger generation fills her with hope, she said. 
 
&quot;There is a long way to go, but we have also come a really long way. But now the difference I see is how empowered young India is. They don&#39;t keep quiet any more. They would stand up against injustice. It is so empowering to see.

&quot;India is one of the youngest nations in the world and the younger generation is so strong. It is really nice to see them at the forefront and raising their voice for equality,&quot; she said.

There is more talk and less action in the area of gender equality believes the 35-year-old star, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Feminism may have emerged as Merriam-Webster's word of the year with women becoming more vocal about issues such as sexual harassment, but Priyanka Chopra believes most people still don't understand what feminism actually is. There is more talk and less action in the area of gender equality believes the 35-year-old star, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. The overuse of the words "feminism and empowerment" has belittled their essence, she said. "There is movement but it is very nominal. We need to work so much more. In our country and across the globe, girls are treated as secondary citizen. They face violence and abuse everywhere. And feminism is a way to control that situation, but it has become a negative term," Priyanka told PTI in an interview. For the actor, who has successfully crossed over to the American showbiz world with the television show Quantico and made her Hollywood debut with Baywatch, feminism is "not about superiority but equality". "I believe a lot of people still don't understand the actual meaning of feminism. Feminism and empowerment are two words which people overuse, without even understanding the meaning properly." Feminism for her, Priyanka stressed, is about women getting the opportunities that men have always enjoyed. The fact that women are still "judged" for being ambitious bothers her, said the actor, who has created her own space in the Indian and the international entertainment industry. Empowerment, she added, is about giving people the freedom to take stands for themselves. But at times girls are deprived of this freedom. "People are conditioned in a way that for them the only job a woman has is to give birth to babies or take care of the home. I am not denying that this is what makes women so special. We have this power to give life. "But we are still judged for being ambitious. This kind of conditioning also stops girls from dreaming big. This is a disheartening situation," she said. It will take years for society to treat women as equal to men, but the shift in the mindset of the younger generation fills her with hope, she said. "There is a long way to go, but we have also come a really long way. But now the difference I see is how empowered young India is. They don't keep quiet any more. They would stand up against injustice. It is so empowering to see. "India is one of the youngest nations in the world and the younger generation is so strong. It is really nice to see them at the forefront and raising their voice for equality," she said.

Priyanka Chopra on gender equality: Feminism and empowerment are words which people overuse

Veteran actor Meryl Streep has responded to Rose McGowan&#39;s critical remarks against herself and other actors who plan to protest sexual harassment by wearing black to this year&#39;s Golden Globes. 
 
McGowan had called out Streep on yesterday for working with producer Harvey Weinstein despite his reputation as a sexual predator and condemned their form of protest.

In her response, Streep said she &quot;wasn&#39;t deliberately silent&quot; in Weinstein&#39;s treatment of women in Hollywood because she did not know it was happening. 
 
&quot;It hurt to be attacked by Rose McGowan in banner headlines this weekend, but I want to let her know I did not know about Weinstein&#39;s crimes, not in the &#39;90s when he attacked her, or through subsequent decades when he proceeded to attack others. 
 
&quot;I wasn&#39;t deliberately silent. I didn&#39;t know. I don&#39;t tacitly approve of rape. I didn&#39;t know. I don&#39;t like young women being assaulted. I didn&#39;t know this was happening,&quot; Streep said in a statement to the Huffington Post. 
 
The 68-year-old actor added that not everyone who worked with Weinstein knew the depth of accusations against him. 
 
&quot;Rose assumed and broadcast something untrue about me, and I wanted to let her know the truth. Through friends who know her, I got my home phone number to her the minute I read the headlines. I sat by that phone all day yesterday and this morning, hoping to express both my deep respect for her and others&#39; bravery in exposing the monsters among us, and my sympathy for the untold, ongoing pain she suffers. 
 
&quot;No one can bring back what entitled bosses like Bill O&#39;Reilly, Roger Ailes, and HW took from the women who endured attacks on their bodies and their ability to make a living. And I hoped that she would give me a hearing. She did not, but I hope she reads this,&quot; Streep added. 
 
The actor said she was &quot;truly sorry&quot; that McGowan sees her as an &quot;adversary&quot;. 
 
&quot;... We are both, together with all the women in our business, standing in defiance of the same implacable foe: a status quo that wants so badly to return to the bad old days, the old ways where women were used, abused and refused entry into the decision-making, top levels of the industry. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s where the cover-ups convene. Those rooms must be disinfected, and integrated, before anything even begins to change,&quot; Streep said. 
 
Later, McGowan apologised to Streep for taking a dig at the veteran actor using Weinstein&#39;s fashion designer wife, Marchesa&#39;s reference in her previous tweet. 
 
&quot;The Marchesa line was beneath me and I&#39;m sorry for that. Seeing that picture of Alyssa Milano with GC has ignited something in me that I can&#39;t quite articulate. 
 
&quot;There is no map for this road I&#39;m on, I will f**k up. Peace be with you, go with Goddess,&quot; she wrote on Twitter. 
 
McGowan earlier slammed Streep for participating in a protest against sexual harassment at Globes by dressing up in black, to which the Oscar-winning actor responded. 
 
&quot;Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for &#39;The Pig Monster&#39;, are wearing black @GoldenGlobes in a silent protest. 
 
&quot;Your silence is the problem. You&#39;ll accept a fake award breathlessly and affect no real change. I despise your hypocrisy. Maybe you should all wear Marchesa,&quot; she added, referencing Weinstein&#39;s estranged wife Georgina Chapman&#39;s fashion line,&quot; the &quot;Charmed&quot; actor wrote in tweet, which has now been deleted.&nbsp;

'I wasn't deliberately silent,'said Streep in a statement.

Veteran actor Meryl Streep has responded to Rose McGowan's critical remarks against herself and other actors who plan to protest sexual harassment by wearing black to this year's Golden Globes. McGowan had called out Streep on yesterday for working with producer Harvey Weinstein despite his reputation as a sexual predator and condemned their form of protest. In her response, Streep said she "wasn't deliberately silent" in Weinstein's treatment of women in Hollywood because she did not know it was happening. "It hurt to be attacked by Rose McGowan in banner headlines this weekend, but I want to let her know I did not know about Weinstein's crimes, not in the '90s when he attacked her, or through subsequent decades when he proceeded to attack others. "I wasn't deliberately silent. I didn't know. I don't tacitly approve of rape. I didn't know. I don't like young women being assaulted. I didn't know this was happening," Streep said in a statement to the Huffington Post. The 68-year-old actor added that not everyone who worked with Weinstein knew the depth of accusations against him. "Rose assumed and broadcast something untrue about me, and I wanted to let her know the truth. Through friends who know her, I got my home phone number to her the minute I read the headlines. I sat by that phone all day yesterday and this morning, hoping to express both my deep respect for her and others' bravery in exposing the monsters among us, and my sympathy for the untold, ongoing pain she suffers. "No one can bring back what entitled bosses like Bill O'Reilly, Roger Ailes, and HW took from the women who endured attacks on their bodies and their ability to make a living. And I hoped that she would give me a hearing. She did not, but I hope she reads this," Streep added. The actor said she was "truly sorry" that McGowan sees her as an "adversary". "... We are both, together with all the women in our business, standing in defiance of the same implacable foe: a status quo that wants so badly to return to the bad old days, the old ways where women were used, abused and refused entry into the decision-making, top levels of the industry. "That's where the cover-ups convene. Those rooms must be disinfected, and integrated, before anything even begins to change," Streep said. Later, McGowan apologised to Streep for taking a dig at the veteran actor using Weinstein's fashion designer wife, Marchesa's reference in her previous tweet. "The Marchesa line was beneath me and I'm sorry for that. Seeing that picture of Alyssa Milano with GC has ignited something in me that I can't quite articulate. "There is no map for this road I'm on, I will f**k up. Peace be with you, go with Goddess," she wrote on Twitter. McGowan earlier slammed Streep for participating in a protest against sexual harassment at Globes by dressing up in black, to which the Oscar-winning actor responded. "Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for 'The Pig Monster', are wearing black @GoldenGlobes in a silent protest. "Your silence is the problem. You'll accept a fake award breathlessly and affect no real change. I despise your hypocrisy. Maybe you should all wear Marchesa," she added, referencing Weinstein's estranged wife Georgina Chapman's fashion line," the "Charmed" actor wrote in tweet, which has now been deleted.

Meryl Streep responds to Rose McGowan's critical tweet on actresses wearing black to Golden Globes

The Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal has opened a can of worms for global cinema and Hollywood star Will Smith says it has been &quot;bizarre&quot; for him to come to terms with the dark side of showbiz.

Blaming his naivety, the 49-year-old actor said the fact that people like Weinstein existed in the world filled him with bewilderment. 
 
&quot;The whole situation has been bizarre for me... As I&#39;m hearing these things people would do like... I just don&#39;t know who would do (something) like that! 
 
&quot;And I don&#39;t know, I&#39;m naive but (you) schedule a meeting with someone and the person shows up and like you&#39;re in a bathrobe! I just don&#39;t know those guys. I have male friends but no...&quot; Smith said in a group interview.

The actor is currently in the city for the India premiere of his Netflix film Bright, accompanied by the director of the movie, David Ayer. 
 
As a father to teenage daughter, Willow, Smith raised concern over women safety and security in these times. 
 
&quot;My 17-year-old daughter, who grew up with men she trusts and really does not even comprehend the predatory idea,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The actor is currently in India for the premiere of his Netflix film 'Bright'.

The Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal has opened a can of worms for global cinema and Hollywood star Will Smith says it has been "bizarre" for him to come to terms with the dark side of showbiz. Blaming his naivety, the 49-year-old actor said the fact that people like Weinstein existed in the world filled him with bewilderment. "The whole situation has been bizarre for me... As I'm hearing these things people would do like... I just don't know who would do (something) like that! "And I don't know, I'm naive but (you) schedule a meeting with someone and the person shows up and like you're in a bathrobe! I just don't know those guys. I have male friends but no..." Smith said in a group interview. The actor is currently in the city for the India premiere of his Netflix film Bright, accompanied by the director of the movie, David Ayer. As a father to teenage daughter, Willow, Smith raised concern over women safety and security in these times. "My 17-year-old daughter, who grew up with men she trusts and really does not even comprehend the predatory idea," he added.

Will Smith on Harvey Weinstein: The whole situation has been bizarre for me

Harvey Weinstein on Friday denied barring actresses Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino from working on the movie adaptation of &quot;The Lord of the Rings&quot; or blacklisting them from further projects.

Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 50 women, including Judd and Sorvino, was responding to remarks by &quot;Lord of the Rings&quot; director Peter Jackson.

Reuters is unable to independently confirm the misconduct allegations and Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

In an interview with New Zealand website Stuff on Thursday, Jackson said he expressed interest in casting Judd and Sorvino in the movie while pitching the project to Weinstein&#39;s production company Miramax.

&quot;I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998,&quot; Jackson said.

&quot;At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us... I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women - and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list,&quot; he added.

The &quot;Lord of the Rings&quot; movie trilogy later went to New Line Cinema and released in 2001.

Weinstein&#39;s spokeswoman Holly Baird said in a statement that Harvey and his bother Bob &quot;had no input into the casting whatsoever&quot; on &quot;Lord of the Rings.&quot;

The statement said that Judd was subsequently cast by Weinstein in two other movies - &quot;Frida&quot; and &quot;Crossing Over.&quot;

It added that Sorvino called Weinstein earlier this year to ask if her husband, actor Christopher Backus, could be cast in the TV series &quot;Six&quot; that he was producing &quot;and Mr. Weinstein cast him.&quot;

Judd, responding on Twitter on Friday, recalled having detailed talks with Jackson about &quot;Lord of the Rings&quot; but &quot;then I abruptly never heard from him again.&quot;

Sorvino said on Twitter that she &quot;burst out crying&quot; when she read Jackson&#39;s remarks, calling them &quot;confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure.&quot;

Representatives for the two actresses did not respond on Friday to a request for further comment.

Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 50 women, including Judd and Sorvino, was responding to remarks by "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson.

Harvey Weinstein on Friday denied barring actresses Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino from working on the movie adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" or blacklisting them from further projects. Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 50 women, including Judd and Sorvino, was responding to remarks by "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson. Reuters is unable to independently confirm the misconduct allegations and Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. In an interview with New Zealand website Stuff on Thursday, Jackson said he expressed interest in casting Judd and Sorvino in the movie while pitching the project to Weinstein's production company Miramax. "I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998," Jackson said. "At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us... I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women - and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list," he added. The "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy later went to New Line Cinema and released in 2001. Weinstein's spokeswoman Holly Baird said in a statement that Harvey and his bother Bob "had no input into the casting whatsoever" on "Lord of the Rings." The statement said that Judd was subsequently cast by Weinstein in two other movies - "Frida" and "Crossing Over." It added that Sorvino called Weinstein earlier this year to ask if her husband, actor Christopher Backus, could be cast in the TV series "Six" that he was producing "and Mr. Weinstein cast him." Judd, responding on Twitter on Friday, recalled having detailed talks with Jackson about "Lord of the Rings" but "then I abruptly never heard from him again." Sorvino said on Twitter that she "burst out crying" when she read Jackson's remarks, calling them "confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure." Representatives for the two actresses did not respond on Friday to a request for further comment.

Harvey Weinstein denies blacklisting actresses Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino

India`s minister for women has warned Bollywood producers over sexual harassment in the Hindi film industry after a scandal that has brought down some leading Hollywood figures. 
 
Maneka Gandhi wrote to leading production houses reminding them that they are &quot;ethically and legally&quot; responsible for providing a &quot;safe, secure and inclusive work environment&quot; for all staff under Indian law. 
 
Bollywood has not so far faced the kind of allegations that have rocked the US film industry and led to the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. 
 
But last month a Bollywood actress said she had been harassed by an unnamed director early in her career. 
 
India`s Ministry of Women and Child Development said in a series of tweets late Wednesday that Gandhi had written letters to 24 producers urging them to comply with India`s 2013 sexual harassment act.

&quot;The aim of this law is to ensure that no woman is sexually harassed at her workplace,&quot; she wrote.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;This is to be followed in letter and spirit by all organisations in the country and I expect you to personally lead these efforts with sincerity and commitment, in accordance with all the applicable laws,&quot; Gandhi added.

It follows an interview that Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar gave to the Mumbai Mirror tabloid in November in which she said she had &quot;lost a few roles&quot; over the years because she &quot;didn`t give in&quot; to unwanted advances.

Bhaskar urged aspiring actresses to reject parts rather than &quot;get on the couch&quot;, a reference to the &quot;casting couch&quot; culture where young women are expected to exchange sexual favours to be cast in a film. 
 
The issue is almost never discussed in Indian media or talked about openly by Bollywood stars, but aspiring actors and actresses are known to regularly share their experiences of it privately.&nbsp; 
 
Since the Weinstein scandal first broke some Indian actresses, including Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadha, have said Bollywood needs to create an environment where victims can speak out without fear of being ostracised or trolled on social media. 
 
Bhaskar said in her interview that the cliquey nature of Bollywood, where many of the leading stars and directors are either friends or related, made going public with allegations difficult. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Since the Weinstein scandal first broke some Indian actresses have said Bollywood needs to create an environment where victims can speak out without fear of being ostracised or trolled on social media.

India`s minister for women has warned Bollywood producers over sexual harassment in the Hindi film industry after a scandal that has brought down some leading Hollywood figures. Maneka Gandhi wrote to leading production houses reminding them that they are "ethically and legally" responsible for providing a "safe, secure and inclusive work environment" for all staff under Indian law. Bollywood has not so far faced the kind of allegations that have rocked the US film industry and led to the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. But last month a Bollywood actress said she had been harassed by an unnamed director early in her career. India`s Ministry of Women and Child Development said in a series of tweets late Wednesday that Gandhi had written letters to 24 producers urging them to comply with India`s 2013 sexual harassment act. "The aim of this law is to ensure that no woman is sexually harassed at her workplace," she wrote. "This is to be followed in letter and spirit by all organisations in the country and I expect you to personally lead these efforts with sincerity and commitment, in accordance with all the applicable laws," Gandhi added. It follows an interview that Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar gave to the Mumbai Mirror tabloid in November in which she said she had "lost a few roles" over the years because she "didn`t give in" to unwanted advances. Bhaskar urged aspiring actresses to reject parts rather than "get on the couch", a reference to the "casting couch" culture where young women are expected to exchange sexual favours to be cast in a film. The issue is almost never discussed in Indian media or talked about openly by Bollywood stars, but aspiring actors and actresses are known to regularly share their experiences of it privately. Since the Weinstein scandal first broke some Indian actresses, including Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadha, have said Bollywood needs to create an environment where victims can speak out without fear of being ostracised or trolled on social media. Bhaskar said in her interview that the cliquey nature of Bollywood, where many of the leading stars and directors are either friends or related, made going public with allegations difficult.

Maneka Gandhi warns Bollywood producers over sexual harassment in industry

Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek has joined the ranks of Hollywood women accusing movie producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, calling him a &quot;monster&quot; in an article published by the New York Times on Tuesday.

&quot;For years, he was my monster,&quot; Hayek wrote in the opinion piece in which she included descriptions of sexual harassment, bullying and threats.

Holly Baird, a spokeswoman for Weinstein, reached by email on Wednesday, said she could not immediately provide a comment.

More than 50 women have claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the accusations against Weinstein.

Hayek spokeswoman Samantha Hill said in an emailed reply to a request for comment on Wednesday, &quot;The piece that Salma penned is the extent of what she has to say at this time.&quot;

Police in New York, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have said they are investigating allegations of sexual assault or rape by Weinstein.

Hayek wrote in the article that she was inspired to share her experiences after other women came forward. Her account largely centred around the time she was involved with making the 2002 film, &quot;Frida,&quot; in which she portrayed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

Hayek wrote that she was pleased to have the opportunity to work with Weinstein and Miramax, which he then owned, because it was &quot;synonymous with quality, sophistication and risk taking in films.&quot; But, she wrote, she found herself rebuffing sexual advances and requests from Weinstein.

&quot;No to letting him give me oral sex,&quot; Hayek wrote as one of several examples. &quot;And with every refusal came Harvey&#39;s Machiavellian rage.&quot;

Hayek wrote that Weinstein was threatening to shut down the production of &quot;Frida&quot; and that he pressured her into doing a sex scene with another woman in the film. Hayek said that when she went to film the scene, &quot;... for the first and last time in my career, I had a nervous breakdown.&quot;

The actress, who called Weinstein a &quot;passionate cinephile, a risk taker, a patron of talent in film, a loving father and a monster,&quot; wrote, &quot;I never showed Harvey how terrified I was of him.&quot;

&quot;Until there is equality in our industry, with men and women having the same value in every aspect of it, our community will continue to be a fertile ground for predators,&quot; she wrote.

"For years, he was my monster," Hayek wrote in the opinion piece in which she included descriptions of sexual harassment, bullying and threats.

Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek has joined the ranks of Hollywood women accusing movie producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, calling him a "monster" in an article published by the New York Times on Tuesday. "For years, he was my monster," Hayek wrote in the opinion piece in which she included descriptions of sexual harassment, bullying and threats. Holly Baird, a spokeswoman for Weinstein, reached by email on Wednesday, said she could not immediately provide a comment. More than 50 women have claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the accusations against Weinstein. Hayek spokeswoman Samantha Hill said in an emailed reply to a request for comment on Wednesday, "The piece that Salma penned is the extent of what she has to say at this time." Police in New York, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have said they are investigating allegations of sexual assault or rape by Weinstein. Hayek wrote in the article that she was inspired to share her experiences after other women came forward. Her account largely centred around the time she was involved with making the 2002 film, "Frida," in which she portrayed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Hayek wrote that she was pleased to have the opportunity to work with Weinstein and Miramax, which he then owned, because it was "synonymous with quality, sophistication and risk taking in films." But, she wrote, she found herself rebuffing sexual advances and requests from Weinstein. "No to letting him give me oral sex," Hayek wrote as one of several examples. "And with every refusal came Harvey's Machiavellian rage." Hayek wrote that Weinstein was threatening to shut down the production of "Frida" and that he pressured her into doing a sex scene with another woman in the film. Hayek said that when she went to film the scene, "... for the first and last time in my career, I had a nervous breakdown." The actress, who called Weinstein a "passionate cinephile, a risk taker, a patron of talent in film, a loving father and a monster," wrote, "I never showed Harvey how terrified I was of him." "Until there is equality in our industry, with men and women having the same value in every aspect of it, our community will continue to be a fertile ground for predators," she wrote.

'He was my monster for years': Actress Salma Hayek alleges Harvey Weinstein misconduct

Google has released its list of top 10 trending people of 2017 globally, which is topped by former Today show host Matt Lauer who quit over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The list mostly includes people who have been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey.

Others in the list include American actress Meghan Markel, who started appearing in searches in the wake of her engagement to Britain&#39;s Prince Harry, Italian TV personality Nadia Toffa, &#39;Wonder Woman&#39; Gal Gadot and US First Lady Melania Trump.

One of the key figures of Trump administration, former national security advisor Michael Flynn has also made it to the list.

Read the full list below:

<ol>
	<li>Matt Lauer</li>
	<li>Meghan Markle</li>
	<li>Nadia Toffa</li>
	<li>Harvey Weinstein</li>
	<li>Kevin Spacey</li>
	<li>Gal Gadot</li>
	<li>Melania Trump</li>
	<li>Floyd Mayweather</li>
	<li>Michael Flynn</li>
	<li>Philippe Coutinho</li>
</ol>

The list mostly includes people who have been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey

Google has released its list of top 10 trending people of 2017 globally, which is topped by former Today show host Matt Lauer who quit over allegations of sexual misconduct. The list mostly includes people who have been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey. Others in the list include American actress Meghan Markel, who started appearing in searches in the wake of her engagement to Britain's Prince Harry, Italian TV personality Nadia Toffa, 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot and US First Lady Melania Trump. One of the key figures of Trump administration, former national security advisor Michael Flynn has also made it to the list. Read the full list below: Matt Lauer Meghan Markle Nadia Toffa Harvey Weinstein Kevin Spacey Gal Gadot Melania Trump Floyd Mayweather Michael Flynn Philippe Coutinho

The most-googled people of 2017

As sexual harassment scandals rock Hollywood, superstar Aamir Khan says creative people have an important role to play in changing mindsets on gender issues.

The actor, whose recent films Dangal&nbsp;and Secret Superstar&nbsp;focused on female empowerment, also believes that the issues are directly linked to patriarchy.

&quot;I think sexual harassment is a very sad thing to happen to anyone, irrespective of what your sex is. Sexual harassment is just not on,&quot; he said when asked about the Harvey Weinstein case. 
 
Such cases, he said, happened not just in the world of films, but in other areas, too.

&quot;I understand that people are free to be romantically involved with whoever they want. But you cannot pressure a person into being with you physically. It happens not only in films but in all walks of life and is very unfortunate,&quot; Aamir, who is currently shooting for Thugs of Hindostan&nbsp;in Thailand, told PTI in an exclusive telephonic interview.

The New York Times and The New Yorker took the lid off Weinstein&#39;s history of sexual abuse, encouraging prominent women such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan to open up about the disgraced producer. The scandal led to the expose of other Hollywood heavyweights. 
 
Aamir said sexual harassment should not be looked into isolation as it is connected to larger issues of how gender roles have been defined in society.

He also believes that creative people have an important role to play in changing such perspectives. 
 
&quot;It is connected to the larger issue. Not only in India but all over the world, (it is) this thinking of patriarchy that men are stronger or are more important that leads to various kind of things. Sexual harassment is one of them,&quot; he said. 
The actor-producer believes that artistes help mould opinion.

&quot;Creative people do have a role to play in showcasing men and women in a manner that influences people in the right way. I do believe we have some sort of responsibility in that,&quot; he said. 
 
Many of his films have dealt with issues of empowerment. Dangal&nbsp;focused on a father&#39;s decision to turn his daughters into wrestlers in a patriarchal society, while Secret Superstar&nbsp;revolved around a teen&#39;s struggle to pursue music despite facing opposition from her father.

The actor highlighted issues that women face in India in his TV show Satyamev Jayate. In Secret Superstar, he said, he went a step forward by portraying a girl who asserts her independence and helps her mother do the same. 
&quot;I am hoping that things will change in the future for the better. It takes time both for the people and the society to change.&quot; 
 
Women&#39;s issues, he said, span a big canvas.&quot;When we look at women&#39;s issues, it is not just about female foeticide and domestic violence, which are huge issues. But even in day-to-day life, women sometimes find that they are not in the possession of their own decisions,&quot; he said. 
 
A woman may not be sexually harassed or face domestic violence, but there may be a host of other issues. 
 
&quot;She may still be with a man who wants to control her and that is equally disturbing. It is really about the fundamental independence of a person, irrespective of your sex.&quot;

Secret Superstar, starring Dangal&nbsp;actor Zaira Wasim in the lead role, may have been seen by some as a risky business venture in the formula-driven film industry, but Aamir, who has been rewriting the rules of the box office, said he felt strongly about the subject. 
 
The movie has not only done good business in India but has also opened well in countries such as Taiwan. 
 
Aamir, whose Dangal&nbsp;was a super hit in China, is now looking forward to the release of Secret Supertar&nbsp;there.&nbsp;He hopes the film will be released there in January or February next year. 
 
&quot;Secret Superstar&nbsp;has done really well in all the territories. I strongly felt about the story and I am happy that the audiences felt the same. It is most reassuring.&quot; 
 
The actor is considered a marketing genius in Bollywood as none of his films in the last many years has failed at the box office. But Aamir said it all boiled down to how good a story was.

&quot;When I am selecting a film, I am not thinking about the box office or the audiences&#39; reaction. I am reacting to it personally. When I get a script and love it as a person, it touches me and moves me, makes me laugh and cry or excites me, then I want to be a part of it.&quot;

He selects films based on his personal response to the story, he added. 
 
&quot;For me, filmmaking is a journey. In most of the cases, the films I end up choosing are very risky. I don&#39;t plan it that way but it turns out that way. My taste is a little unusual and I get excited about stuff which is not considered mainstream by the market.&quot;

Aamir said he looked at marketing as an intrinsic part of making a film rather than treating it as a separate process. 
 
&quot;I find the journey of making the film as exciting as the end result. I do one film in a year or sometimes one film in two years. So the process is what excites me... I am living that journey for a year or so. It becomes my life and it is a passion for me.

He believes he is &quot;fortunate&quot; that the unusual stories he has picked up have done well at the box office. 
 
&quot;That is something I don&#39;t plan. Taare Zameen Par&nbsp;was one of the top hits of that year and did huge business at that time. When films like Secret Superstar&#39; do well, it makes me very happy. As a creative person, you feel reassured. You get a lot of encouragement and strength.&quot;

The actor, whose recent films Dangal?and Secret Superstar?focused on female empowerment, also believes that the issues are directly linked to patriarchy

As sexual harassment scandals rock Hollywood, superstar Aamir Khan says creative people have an important role to play in changing mindsets on gender issues. The actor, whose recent films Dangal and Secret Superstar focused on female empowerment, also believes that the issues are directly linked to patriarchy. "I think sexual harassment is a very sad thing to happen to anyone, irrespective of what your sex is. Sexual harassment is just not on," he said when asked about the Harvey Weinstein case. Such cases, he said, happened not just in the world of films, but in other areas, too. "I understand that people are free to be romantically involved with whoever they want. But you cannot pressure a person into being with you physically. It happens not only in films but in all walks of life and is very unfortunate," Aamir, who is currently shooting for Thugs of Hindostan in Thailand, told PTI in an exclusive telephonic interview. The New York Times and The New Yorker took the lid off Weinstein's history of sexual abuse, encouraging prominent women such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan to open up about the disgraced producer. The scandal led to the expose of other Hollywood heavyweights. Aamir said sexual harassment should not be looked into isolation as it is connected to larger issues of how gender roles have been defined in society. He also believes that creative people have an important role to play in changing such perspectives. "It is connected to the larger issue. Not only in India but all over the world, (it is) this thinking of patriarchy that men are stronger or are more important that leads to various kind of things. Sexual harassment is one of them," he said. The actor-producer believes that artistes help mould opinion. "Creative people do have a role to play in showcasing men and women in a manner that influences people in the right way. I do believe we have some sort of responsibility in that," he said. Many of his films have dealt with issues of empowerment. Dangal focused on a father's decision to turn his daughters into wrestlers in a patriarchal society, while Secret Superstar revolved around a teen's struggle to pursue music despite facing opposition from her father. The actor highlighted issues that women face in India in his TV show Satyamev Jayate. In Secret Superstar, he said, he went a step forward by portraying a girl who asserts her independence and helps her mother do the same. "I am hoping that things will change in the future for the better. It takes time both for the people and the society to change." Women's issues, he said, span a big canvas."When we look at women's issues, it is not just about female foeticide and domestic violence, which are huge issues. But even in day-to-day life, women sometimes find that they are not in the possession of their own decisions," he said. A woman may not be sexually harassed or face domestic violence, but there may be a host of other issues. "She may still be with a man who wants to control her and that is equally disturbing. It is really about the fundamental independence of a person, irrespective of your sex." Secret Superstar, starring Dangal actor Zaira Wasim in the lead role, may have been seen by some as a risky business venture in the formula-driven film industry, but Aamir, who has been rewriting the rules of the box office, said he felt strongly about the subject. The movie has not only done good business in India but has also opened well in countries such as Taiwan. Aamir, whose Dangal was a super hit in China, is now looking forward to the release of Secret Supertar there. He hopes the film will be released there in January or February next year. "Secret Superstar has done really well in all the territories. I strongly felt about the story and I am happy that the audiences felt the same. It is most reassuring." The actor is considered a marketing genius in Bollywood as none of his films in the last many years has failed at the box office. But Aamir said it all boiled down to how good a story was. "When I am selecting a film, I am not thinking about the box office or the audiences' reaction. I am reacting to it personally. When I get a script and love it as a person, it touches me and moves me, makes me laugh and cry or excites me, then I want to be a part of it." He selects films based on his personal response to the story, he added. "For me, filmmaking is a journey. In most of the cases, the films I end up choosing are very risky. I don't plan it that way but it turns out that way. My taste is a little unusual and I get excited about stuff which is not considered mainstream by the market." Aamir said he looked at marketing as an intrinsic part of making a film rather than treating it as a separate process. "I find the journey of making the film as exciting as the end result. I do one film in a year or sometimes one film in two years. So the process is what excites me... I am living that journey for a year or so. It becomes my life and it is a passion for me. He believes he is "fortunate" that the unusual stories he has picked up have done well at the box office. "That is something I don't plan. Taare Zameen Par was one of the top hits of that year and did huge business at that time. When films like Secret Superstar' do well, it makes me very happy. As a creative person, you feel reassured. You get a lot of encouragement and strength."

Aamir Khan on sexual harassment cases in Hollywood: Artistes have a role in highlighting gender issues

Pamela Anderson has responded to the backlash she received over her comments that women should have had the &#39;common sense&#39; not to enter hotel rooms with Harvey Weinstein.

The &#39;Baywatch&#39; star, in an interview with Megyn Kelly, had said that it&#39;s &#39;common sense&#39; not to go into a hotel room with a man as she opened up about the &#39;seductive&#39; nature of Hollywood.

The Playboy covergirl, who has been accused of victim-blaming, took to Instagram to double down on her stance.

&quot;We have the power to be safe and free by using common sense. My message is consistent throughout - I&#39;m a deep thinker / I have a unique perspective. and consequence is part of my life. This is great,&quot; she wrote. &quot;I am also an advocate for men. I just don&#39;t agree with it all. Backlash is good. - I like this. My position is not &#39;problematic&#39; because I doesn&#39;t fall in line with the common herd or trend.&quot;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcJ6P4jly6_/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Re- My interview on #todayshow #megynkelly Somebody had to say this. Please don&rsquo;t worry. Refer people to my blog and long standing commitment to defending the vulnerable. We have the power to be safe and free by using common sense. My message is consistent throughout- I&#39;m a deep thinker / I have a unique perspective. and consequence is part of my life. This is great. I am also an advocate for men. I just don&#39;t agree with it all. Backlash is good. - I like this. My position is not &#39;problematic&#39; because I doesn&#39;t fall in line with the common herd or trend. I&#39;m trying to tell women as a survivor of childhood abuse myself - It is important to be proactive as an adult who knows better - in defending themselves. Don&#39;t get in cars with strangers #rideresponsibly- Don&#39;t go to Hotel rooms alone for an audition. Women are powerful and smart and we can use all our charms in more positive ways. I think it&rsquo;s very smart to be proactive. And I stand by what I say. My mother taught me - protect yourself. Especially with my &lsquo;image&rsquo;&rsquo; - she and I were worried it could give people wrong Impression. I am not an easy girl and have not had as many partners people might think. I believe in love and commitment and common sense. This is why I&#39;m usually married. It is how I feel safe and protected in a sexual relationship. .A monogamous lover is the best and most brave lover there is. I only want intimate sexual experiences - where I can be free to give my wildest fantasies to someone who loves me. and never have used sex as a weapon. It&#39;s just too easy. #bestrong #staysafe #noblame @todayshow #solutions #nodrama</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by The Pamela Anderson Foundation (@pamelaanderson) on <time datetime="2017-12-01T09:37:26+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 1, 2017 at 1:37am PST</time>
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The Baywatch star had said women should have had the 'common sense' not to enter hotel rooms with Harvey Weinstein

Pamela Anderson has responded to the backlash she received over her comments that women should have had the 'common sense' not to enter hotel rooms with Harvey Weinstein. The 'Baywatch' star, in an interview with Megyn Kelly, had said that it's 'common sense' not to go into a hotel room with a man as she opened up about the 'seductive' nature of Hollywood. The Playboy covergirl, who has been accused of victim-blaming, took to Instagram to double down on her stance. "We have the power to be safe and free by using common sense. My message is consistent throughout - I'm a deep thinker / I have a unique perspective. and consequence is part of my life. This is great," she wrote. "I am also an advocate for men. I just don't agree with it all. Backlash is good. - I like this. My position is not 'problematic' because I doesn't fall in line with the common herd or trend." Re- My interview on #todayshow #megynkelly Somebody had to say this. Please don’t worry. Refer people to my blog and long standing commitment to defending the vulnerable. We have the power to be safe and free by using common sense. My message is consistent throughout- I'm a deep thinker / I have a unique perspective. and consequence is part of my life. This is great. I am also an advocate for men. I just don't agree with it all. Backlash is good. - I like this. My position is not 'problematic' because I doesn't fall in line with the common herd or trend. I'm trying to tell women as a survivor of childhood abuse myself - It is important to be proactive as an adult who knows better - in defending themselves. Don't get in cars with strangers #rideresponsibly- Don't go to Hotel rooms alone for an audition. Women are powerful and smart and we can use all our charms in more positive ways. I think it’s very smart to be proactive. And I stand by what I say. My mother taught me - protect yourself. Especially with my ‘image’’ - she and I were worried it could give people wrong Impression. I am not an easy girl and have not had as many partners people might think. I believe in love and commitment and common sense. This is why I'm usually married. It is how I feel safe and protected in a sexual relationship. .A monogamous lover is the best and most brave lover there is. I only want intimate sexual experiences - where I can be free to give my wildest fantasies to someone who loves me. and never have used sex as a weapon. It's just too easy. #bestrong #staysafe #noblame @todayshow #solutions #nodrama A post shared by The Pamela Anderson Foundation (@pamelaanderson) on Dec 1, 2017 at 1:37am PST ×

Pamela Anderson responds to critics over sexual harassment comment

Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks has weighed in on the sexual abuse scandal, currently ripping through the film industry, explaining that the raft of allegations against prominent men in the entertainment business does not surprise him.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 61-year-old actor said that he is not surprised by Hollywood`s sexual harassment scandal as he believes that &quot;predators are absolutely everywhere&quot; within the entertainment industry.

The Bridge of Spies&nbsp;star said, &quot;There are a lot of reasons people do this for a living. Making a movie is a life experience that can create an awful lot of joy. You can meet the person you fall in love with, you can laugh your heads off. That`s the good stuff.&quot;

But despite all the good, Hanks noted that there is also a dark side to the film industry that cannot be ignored.&quot;The bad stuff can happen on a movie as well. There are some people who go into this business because they get off on having power. And the times they feel the most powerful, which is why they went into the business, are when they are hitting on somebody who`s underneath them, [and] I don`t necessarily mean completely sexually. There are predators absolutely everywhere,&quot; noted Hanks.

The Academy Award-winning actor also shared that he is optimistic about changes being made in Hollywood and these changes can make Hollywood a safer place.The Captain Phillips&nbsp;star explained, &quot;Somebody said, `Is it too late to change things?` No, it`s never too late. It`s never too late to learn new behaviours. And that`s a responsibility of anybody who wants to obey a code of professional ethics.&quot;

Hanks` comments come as the allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood continued to intensify in recent weeks.Following the misconduct allegations surrounding 65-year-old Weinstein, Hollywood stars including Brett Ratner, Louis C.K., and Jeremy Piven have also been accused of abusing their position of power.Most recently, Matt Lauer was fired from his position as host of the `Today` show after there was a &quot;detailed complaint by a colleague&quot;, who accused Lauer of behaving inappropriately. (ANI)&nbsp; 
 
 
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The 61-year-old actor said that he is not surprised by Hollywood`s sexual harassment scandal as he believes that "predators are absolutely everywhere" within the entertainment industry

Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks has weighed in on the sexual abuse scandal, currently ripping through the film industry, explaining that the raft of allegations against prominent men in the entertainment business does not surprise him. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 61-year-old actor said that he is not surprised by Hollywood`s sexual harassment scandal as he believes that "predators are absolutely everywhere" within the entertainment industry. The Bridge of Spies star said, "There are a lot of reasons people do this for a living. Making a movie is a life experience that can create an awful lot of joy. You can meet the person you fall in love with, you can laugh your heads off. That`s the good stuff." But despite all the good, Hanks noted that there is also a dark side to the film industry that cannot be ignored."The bad stuff can happen on a movie as well. There are some people who go into this business because they get off on having power. And the times they feel the most powerful, which is why they went into the business, are when they are hitting on somebody who`s underneath them, [and] I don`t necessarily mean completely sexually. There are predators absolutely everywhere," noted Hanks. The Academy Award-winning actor also shared that he is optimistic about changes being made in Hollywood and these changes can make Hollywood a safer place.The Captain Phillips star explained, "Somebody said, `Is it too late to change things?` No, it`s never too late. It`s never too late to learn new behaviours. And that`s a responsibility of anybody who wants to obey a code of professional ethics." Hanks` comments come as the allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood continued to intensify in recent weeks.Following the misconduct allegations surrounding 65-year-old Weinstein, Hollywood stars including Brett Ratner, Louis C.K., and Jeremy Piven have also been accused of abusing their position of power.Most recently, Matt Lauer was fired from his position as host of the `Today` show after there was a "detailed complaint by a colleague", who accused Lauer of behaving inappropriately. (ANI)

Tom Hanks on Hollywood's sexual abuse scandal: There are predators absolutely everywhere

Following numerous allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape, a British actress has now accused movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of violating sex trafficking laws in Cannes, France.

According to Page Six, aspiring actress Kadian Noble claimed the disgraced producer invited her to his hotel room during the Cannes film festival in 2004 claiming he wanted to cast her in a forthcoming movie.In the lawsuit, she also claimed that the disgraced studio mogul proceeded to grope her before trapping her in the bathroom and forcing her to perform sexual acts.

According to Noble`s lawsuit, she alleges that during the encounter, Weinstein told her, &quot;Everything will be taken care of for you if you relax.&quot;The lawsuit is not aimed only at Harvey Weinstein but also his brother, Bob, and their company the Weinstein Company, citing &quot;reckless disregard&quot; on their parts. 
 
Kadian also noted that Weinstein then called an unnamed Weinstein Company producer in the US, who told Kadian &quot;that she needed to be `a good girl and do whatever he wished,` and if she did, then `they would work` with her further. 
 
&quot;That`s when Weinstein pulled Kadian closer and &quot;groped her breasts,&quot; the lawsuit said.The lawsuit then described the alleged assault, including Weinstein pulling down the actress` shirt, &quot;revealing her breasts,&quot; while unbuckling his pants and belt.In response, Weinstein`s spokesperson has denied the claims.

Weinstein`s representative noted, &quot;Mr Weinstein denies allegations of non-consensual sex. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The suit comes on the same day as a civil claim in the UK from an anonymous woman, who alleges that she was also sexually assaulted by Weinstein.The authorities in different cities are collaborating to try and build a legal case against the producer.

Los Angeles detectives have been interviewing witnesses in preparation for a case to present to the district attorney; the NYPD has been investigating two rape complaints; and in London, three other cases are being handled.&nbsp;

The suit comes on the same day as a civil claim in the UK from an anonymous woman, who alleges that she was also sexually assaulted by Weinstein

Following numerous allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape, a British actress has now accused movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of violating sex trafficking laws in Cannes, France. According to Page Six, aspiring actress Kadian Noble claimed the disgraced producer invited her to his hotel room during the Cannes film festival in 2004 claiming he wanted to cast her in a forthcoming movie.In the lawsuit, she also claimed that the disgraced studio mogul proceeded to grope her before trapping her in the bathroom and forcing her to perform sexual acts. According to Noble`s lawsuit, she alleges that during the encounter, Weinstein told her, "Everything will be taken care of for you if you relax."The lawsuit is not aimed only at Harvey Weinstein but also his brother, Bob, and their company the Weinstein Company, citing "reckless disregard" on their parts. Kadian also noted that Weinstein then called an unnamed Weinstein Company producer in the US, who told Kadian "that she needed to be `a good girl and do whatever he wished,` and if she did, then `they would work` with her further. "That`s when Weinstein pulled Kadian closer and "groped her breasts," the lawsuit said.The lawsuit then described the alleged assault, including Weinstein pulling down the actress` shirt, "revealing her breasts," while unbuckling his pants and belt.In response, Weinstein`s spokesperson has denied the claims. Weinstein`s representative noted, "Mr Weinstein denies allegations of non-consensual sex. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances." The suit comes on the same day as a civil claim in the UK from an anonymous woman, who alleges that she was also sexually assaulted by Weinstein.The authorities in different cities are collaborating to try and build a legal case against the producer. Los Angeles detectives have been interviewing witnesses in preparation for a case to present to the district attorney; the NYPD has been investigating two rape complaints; and in London, three other cases are being handled.

Harvey Weinstein now accused of violating sex trafficking laws in Cannes

Another actress added her name Monday to the dozens accusing movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of a litany of depraved sexual misconduct as he was forced to quit Hollywood&#39;s directing union. &nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 100 women have come forward since October to accuse the veteran producer of various degrees of bullying, degrading behaviour over the past 40 years, from intimidation to rape.

In the latest case filed in a New York federal court, aspiring British actress Kadian Noble is accusing Weinstein of inviting her to a hotel room in France and sexually assaulting her.

The civil lawsuit says the producer -- who denies all allegations of non-consensual sex -- violated US federal sex trafficking laws during the incident in Cannes, France, in 2014.

The suit accuses Weinstein of groping her, pulled her into his hotel bathroom and forcing her to pleasure him, telling her that &quot;everything will be taken care of for you if you relax.&quot;

A spokesman for the Directors Guild of America confirmed that Weinstein had resigned, several weeks after president Thomas Schlamme announced disciplinary charges against the tycoon, but refused to comment further.&nbsp;

The filmmaker has been involved in more than 300 movies spanning six decades but has just two directing credits, for the animated 1987 film &quot;The Gnomes&#39; Great Adventure&quot; and 1986 comedy &quot;Playing for Keeps.&quot;&nbsp;

The 65-year-old has already been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which runs the Oscars, and has resigned from the Producers Guild of America.&nbsp;

He also parted ways with The Weinstein Co., the production house he and his brother Bob co-founded and was suspended by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Two female-led investor groups are interested in taking over The Weinstein Co., which is on the verge of bankruptcy, with a figure in the region of $275 million reportedly on the table.

Announcing disciplinary action against Weinstein in October, the DGA released a statement condemning the &quot;scourge&quot; of sexual harassment and calling for a zero-tolerance approach to abuses of power.&nbsp;

&quot;This isn&#39;t about one person. We must recognize sexual harassment is endemic in our society, and painfully, in our industry. We believe that every individual has the right to a safe workplace,&quot; it said.

&quot;The unfortunate truth is that there are those who abuse the power that they hold. For far too long, many have not spoken out -- directors, agents, crew, executives, performers, producers, writers. This shameful code of complicity must be broken.&quot;

Noble is seeking unspecified damages, accusing Weinstein of being able &quot;to force or coerce&quot; her into sexual activity in his hotel room by promising her a film role and to wield his influence on her behalf.

She is also suing the Weinstein Co. and Bob, accusing them of being aware of Weinstein&#39;s behaviour and of contributing to his foreign travel to recruit women into &quot;forced or coerced sexual encounters.&quot;

Police in New York, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have confirmed are investigating allegations of sexual assault that have been made against Weinstein.

More than 100 women have come forward since October to accuse the veteran producer of various degrees of bullying, degrading behaviour over the past 40 years, from intimidation to rape

Another actress added her name Monday to the dozens accusing movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of a litany of depraved sexual misconduct as he was forced to quit Hollywood's directing union. More than 100 women have come forward since October to accuse the veteran producer of various degrees of bullying, degrading behaviour over the past 40 years, from intimidation to rape. In the latest case filed in a New York federal court, aspiring British actress Kadian Noble is accusing Weinstein of inviting her to a hotel room in France and sexually assaulting her. The civil lawsuit says the producer -- who denies all allegations of non-consensual sex -- violated US federal sex trafficking laws during the incident in Cannes, France, in 2014. The suit accuses Weinstein of groping her, pulled her into his hotel bathroom and forcing her to pleasure him, telling her that "everything will be taken care of for you if you relax." A spokesman for the Directors Guild of America confirmed that Weinstein had resigned, several weeks after president Thomas Schlamme announced disciplinary charges against the tycoon, but refused to comment further. The filmmaker has been involved in more than 300 movies spanning six decades but has just two directing credits, for the animated 1987 film "The Gnomes' Great Adventure" and 1986 comedy "Playing for Keeps." The 65-year-old has already been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which runs the Oscars, and has resigned from the Producers Guild of America. He also parted ways with The Weinstein Co., the production house he and his brother Bob co-founded and was suspended by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Two female-led investor groups are interested in taking over The Weinstein Co., which is on the verge of bankruptcy, with a figure in the region of $275 million reportedly on the table. Announcing disciplinary action against Weinstein in October, the DGA released a statement condemning the "scourge" of sexual harassment and calling for a zero-tolerance approach to abuses of power. "This isn't about one person. We must recognize sexual harassment is endemic in our society, and painfully, in our industry. We believe that every individual has the right to a safe workplace," it said. "The unfortunate truth is that there are those who abuse the power that they hold. For far too long, many have not spoken out -- directors, agents, crew, executives, performers, producers, writers. This shameful code of complicity must be broken." Noble is seeking unspecified damages, accusing Weinstein of being able "to force or coerce" her into sexual activity in his hotel room by promising her a film role and to wield his influence on her behalf. She is also suing the Weinstein Co. and Bob, accusing them of being aware of Weinstein's behaviour and of contributing to his foreign travel to recruit women into "forced or coerced sexual encounters." Police in New York, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have confirmed are investigating allegations of sexual assault that have been made against Weinstein.

1 more actress accuses Weinstein, over 100 women in total by now

Looks like Natalie Portman is still unpacking decades of work tainted by sexism and sexual harassment amid the wave of allegations emerging from Hollywood.While speaking at Vulture Festival in Los Angeles, Portman said that she has 100 stories of sexual misconduct in Hollywood and has experienced one in the movie industry many times, according to Contactmusic. 
 
She said, &quot;When I heard everything coming out, I was like, wow, I`m so lucky that I haven`t had this. And then, on reflection, I was like, okay, definitely never been assaulted, definitely not, but I`ve had discrimination or harassment on almost everything I&#39;ve ever worked on in some way.&quot; Adding, &quot;I went from thinking I don`t have a story to thinking, Oh wait, I have 100 stories. And I think a lot of people are having these reckonings with themselves, of things that we just took for granted as like, this is part of the process.&quot; 
 
The Oscar-winning actress recalled one particular time when she was invited on a plane with a producer, only to find he had made a bed.&quot;Nothing happened. I was not assaulted. I said, `This doesn`t make me comfortable` and that was respected but was super not OK. That was really unacceptable and manipulative. I was scared,&quot; explained Portman. 
 
Portman also admitted she turned down work that could lead to her being overly objectified when she was younger. 
 
The `Black Swan` actress shared, &quot;There was definitely a period where I was reluctant to do any kind of kissing scenes, sexual scenes. Because for my first roles, the reaction people would give in reviews was to call me a Lolita and things like that, and I got so scared by it.&quot;Continuing, &quot;And I think that`s also got to be part of our conversation now: When you`re defensive as a woman against being looked at that way, that you`re like, `I don`t want to` - what do we close off of ourselves or diminish in ourselves because we want to protect ourselves?&quot;

She also recalled the overwhelmingly male-dominated film sets she`s experienced throughout her career.&quot;Usually, you walk into a movie as the only woman, and you`re often the only woman on set. It`s very rare to have female crew members apart from hair, makeup, and wardrobe - the very stereotypical departments for women to be in - and I think women experience this in a lot of industries,&quot; shared Portman. 
 
It should be noted that Natalie Portman will be next seen in Alex Garland`s `Annihilation` alongside Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Oscar Isaac.The flick is slated to release on February 25, 2018, in the U.S.&nbsp;

Looks like Natalie Portman is still unpacking decades of work tainted by sexism and sexual harassment amid the wave of allegations emerging from Hollywood

Looks like Natalie Portman is still unpacking decades of work tainted by sexism and sexual harassment amid the wave of allegations emerging from Hollywood.While speaking at Vulture Festival in Los Angeles, Portman said that she has 100 stories of sexual misconduct in Hollywood and has experienced one in the movie industry many times, according to Contactmusic. She said, "When I heard everything coming out, I was like, wow, I`m so lucky that I haven`t had this. And then, on reflection, I was like, okay, definitely never been assaulted, definitely not, but I`ve had discrimination or harassment on almost everything I've ever worked on in some way." Adding, "I went from thinking I don`t have a story to thinking, Oh wait, I have 100 stories. And I think a lot of people are having these reckonings with themselves, of things that we just took for granted as like, this is part of the process." The Oscar-winning actress recalled one particular time when she was invited on a plane with a producer, only to find he had made a bed."Nothing happened. I was not assaulted. I said, `This doesn`t make me comfortable` and that was respected but was super not OK. That was really unacceptable and manipulative. I was scared," explained Portman. Portman also admitted she turned down work that could lead to her being overly objectified when she was younger. The `Black Swan` actress shared, "There was definitely a period where I was reluctant to do any kind of kissing scenes, sexual scenes. Because for my first roles, the reaction people would give in reviews was to call me a Lolita and things like that, and I got so scared by it."Continuing, "And I think that`s also got to be part of our conversation now: When you`re defensive as a woman against being looked at that way, that you`re like, `I don`t want to` - what do we close off of ourselves or diminish in ourselves because we want to protect ourselves?" She also recalled the overwhelmingly male-dominated film sets she`s experienced throughout her career."Usually, you walk into a movie as the only woman, and you`re often the only woman on set. It`s very rare to have female crew members apart from hair, makeup, and wardrobe - the very stereotypical departments for women to be in - and I think women experience this in a lot of industries," shared Portman. It should be noted that Natalie Portman will be next seen in Alex Garland`s `Annihilation` alongside Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Oscar Isaac.The flick is slated to release on February 25, 2018, in the U.S.

I have 100 stories: Natalie Portman on Hollywood's sexual misconduct problem

Hollywood actress Julia Roberts has revealed that she is one of the few lucky ones who have been &quot;spared&quot; from sexual harassment during her career.

According to People Magazine, the 50-year-old actress said, she is fortunate to have not suffered any form of sexual misconduct in the workplace. 
 
In an interview given to a leading news channel, the Oscar-winning actress admitted her luck makes her &quot;feel bad&quot; because she doesn`t understand why she did not face the same alleged treatment that others claim to have been subjected to.She said, &quot;You know, it`s all so ugly in so many ways. I`ve never had this experience. I mean, I almost feel bad saying that because I don`t know why I was spared. You hear some of these heart-wrenching, awful stories and I have a daughter, it is heartbreaking. But it`s not been part of my experience.&quot; 
 
This is not the first time Roberts has come forward to speak about the alleged misconduct of the likes of Harvey Weinstein.She previously released a statement in support of victims after decades of allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. 
 
The Notting Hill&nbsp;star also urged any victims of sexual abuse or harassment to turn to specialist organisations for help and support.&quot;If you`ve been subjected to any kind of abuse or harassment, there are places to go for help, including the Rape, Abuse, &amp; Incest National Network (RAINN.org). Or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673),&quot; noted Roberts.

The 50-year-old actress said, she is fortunate to have not suffered any form of sexual misconduct in the workplace

Hollywood actress Julia Roberts has revealed that she is one of the few lucky ones who have been "spared" from sexual harassment during her career. According to People Magazine, the 50-year-old actress said, she is fortunate to have not suffered any form of sexual misconduct in the workplace. In an interview given to a leading news channel, the Oscar-winning actress admitted her luck makes her "feel bad" because she doesn`t understand why she did not face the same alleged treatment that others claim to have been subjected to.She said, "You know, it`s all so ugly in so many ways. I`ve never had this experience. I mean, I almost feel bad saying that because I don`t know why I was spared. You hear some of these heart-wrenching, awful stories and I have a daughter, it is heartbreaking. But it`s not been part of my experience." This is not the first time Roberts has come forward to speak about the alleged misconduct of the likes of Harvey Weinstein.She previously released a statement in support of victims after decades of allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. The Notting Hill star also urged any victims of sexual abuse or harassment to turn to specialist organisations for help and support."If you`ve been subjected to any kind of abuse or harassment, there are places to go for help, including the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN.org). Or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)," noted Roberts.

Julia Roberts on sexual harassment: I don't know why I was spared

An unidentified actress has filed a suit against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, alleging he raped her in his room at a Beverly Hills hotel last year, entertainment publication Variety reported Tuesday.

The actress, identified in the suit only as &quot;Jane Doe,&quot; is the latest of more than 100 women who have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape.

Variety said Weinstein&#39;s representatives denied the latest allegations, as with all the other accusations he has faced in recent weeks, saying the producer &quot;believes all of these relationships were consensual.&quot;

In the suit, filed against both Weinstein and the Weinstein Company, the woman says she met the now infamous film mogul at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills in late 2015 to discuss being cast in the Netflix series &quot;Marco Polo,&quot; according to Variety.

Once there, however, Weinstein told the woman he wanted to masturbate in front of her and when she said &quot;no&quot; he proceeded to grasp her wrist with one hand and masturbate with the other, the suit alleges.

In the spring of the following year, Weinstein is alleged to have contacted her again as if nothing had happened, giving her the impression she had been cast in &quot;Marco Polo.&quot;

He invited her to meet him again at the Montage Hotel to celebrate and she agreed, according to the woman&#39;s account.

During the meeting, he excused himself and returned in a bathrobe, but when she said she didn&#39;t want to do anything sexual, he dragged her into the bedroom where he used his &quot;massive strength and weight to force himself on her,&quot; the suit alleges.

The woman said she fled the room as soon as she could break free.

The actress, who is represented by attorney Gloria Allred, is seeking compensation and damages, claiming sexual battery, assault, and negligence, according to Variety.

&nbsp;

The actress is identified in the suit only as 'Jane Doe'

An unidentified actress has filed a suit against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, alleging he raped her in his room at a Beverly Hills hotel last year, entertainment publication Variety reported Tuesday. The actress, identified in the suit only as "Jane Doe," is the latest of more than 100 women who have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape. Variety said Weinstein's representatives denied the latest allegations, as with all the other accusations he has faced in recent weeks, saying the producer "believes all of these relationships were consensual." In the suit, filed against both Weinstein and the Weinstein Company, the woman says she met the now infamous film mogul at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills in late 2015 to discuss being cast in the Netflix series "Marco Polo," according to Variety. Once there, however, Weinstein told the woman he wanted to masturbate in front of her and when she said "no" he proceeded to grasp her wrist with one hand and masturbate with the other, the suit alleges. In the spring of the following year, Weinstein is alleged to have contacted her again as if nothing had happened, giving her the impression she had been cast in "Marco Polo." He invited her to meet him again at the Montage Hotel to celebrate and she agreed, according to the woman's account. During the meeting, he excused himself and returned in a bathrobe, but when she said she didn't want to do anything sexual, he dragged her into the bedroom where he used his "massive strength and weight to force himself on her," the suit alleges. The woman said she fled the room as soon as she could break free. The actress, who is represented by attorney Gloria Allred, is seeking compensation and damages, claiming sexual battery, assault, and negligence, according to Variety.

Actress files suit alleging Weinstein raped her

The Australian Academy has revoked an award to disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein that it intended to give him in 2013. 
 
Weinstein was announced as the first recipient of an outreach award at a time when the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) was expanding its international profile. The award, however, was never presented. 
In a statement to Variety, AACTA said, &quot;In November 2013, AACTA announced Weinstein as the inaugural AACTA International Fellowship recipient in acknowledgment of his support of independent and innovative filmmaking. This award was, in fact, never actually presented? the event planned for the presentation was cancelled.

&quot;However, our communications in 2013/14 did not make it clear that Weinstein no longer held the award and has rightly caused some confusion. We have now officially rescinded the offer of the award.&quot;&nbsp;While AACTA has distanced itself from the Weinstein scandal, a Weinstein-produced film Lion&nbsp;leads the nominations for this year&#39;s AACTA Awards. 
 
The awards will be presented in Sydney on December 6.&nbsp;

Australian Academy has revoked an award to disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein that it intended to give him in 2013.

The Australian Academy has revoked an award to disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein that it intended to give him in 2013. Weinstein was announced as the first recipient of an outreach award at a time when the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) was expanding its international profile. The award, however, was never presented. In a statement to Variety, AACTA said, "In November 2013, AACTA announced Weinstein as the inaugural AACTA International Fellowship recipient in acknowledgment of his support of independent and innovative filmmaking. This award was, in fact, never actually presented? the event planned for the presentation was cancelled. "However, our communications in 2013/14 did not make it clear that Weinstein no longer held the award and has rightly caused some confusion. We have now officially rescinded the offer of the award." While AACTA has distanced itself from the Weinstein scandal, a Weinstein-produced film Lion leads the nominations for this year's AACTA Awards. The awards will be presented in Sydney on December 6.

Australian Academy withdraws Harvey Weinstein award offer

US&nbsp;comedian Louis C.K. on Friday admitted to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/actress-portia-de-rossi-accuses-steven-seagal-of-sexual-harassment-23862" target="_blank">sexual misconduct allegations made against him </a>by several women, and television and film companies moved quickly to sever ties.

&quot;These stories are true,&quot; C.K. said in a statement.

Five women detailed incidents regarding the Emmy-winning comedian in a New York Times report published on Thursday, including three women who said he had masturbated in front of them. The allegations dated back 15 years.

C.K. released his statement after his upcoming film &quot;I Love You Daddy&quot; was scrapped for release on Friday, and Netflix Inc cancelled a planned special with the comedian because of the allegations.

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Based on Louis CK&#39;s behavior, we are not making his second stand up special.
&mdash; Netflix US (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/929072847137280000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Television network FX, a unit of 21st Century Fox, also severed its ties with C.K, and Time Warner&#39;s&nbsp; TBS network said it was suspending production on an upcoming animated comedy &quot;The Cops,&quot; which C.K. co-created and was due to star in.

&quot;He will no longer serve as executive producer or receive compensation on any of the four shows we were producing with him &ndash; &#39;Better Things,&#39; &#39;Baskets,&#39; &#39;One Mississippi&#39; and &#39;The Cops&#39;,&quot; FX Networks and FX productions said on Friday in an emailed statement.

The comedian&#39;s publicist, Lewis Kay, announced on Twitter that &quot;as of today, I no longer represent Louis C.K.&quot;

C.K., 50, said in his statement that he has &quot;been remorseful for my actions. And I&#39;ve tried to learn from them. And run from them. Now I&rsquo;m aware of the extent of the impact of my actions. I learned yesterday the extent to which I left these women who admired me feeling bad about themselves &quot; his statement added.

He is the latest celebrity in the entertainment business to be accused of sexual misconduct by people coming forward in the wake of allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey.

C.K., who is best known for his TV comedy series &quot;Louie,&quot; added that &quot;I will now step back and take a long time to listen.&quot; He did not make clear how long he would be stepping back for.

Two of the women in the New York Times article, comedians Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov, said C.K. had invited them to his hotel room after a comedy festival in Aspen, Colorado, in 2002 and then masturbated in front of them.

&quot;The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly,&quot; C.K. said, adding that he thought it was ok to show his genitals to women if he asked them first.

&quot;You asked but we never said yes,&quot; Goodman and Wolov tweeted on Friday after his apology.

Netflix said earlier that it would not produce a planned second stand-up special with him.

Film distributor The Orchard said it would not be moving forward with the release next week of &quot;I Love You, Daddy.&quot; The movie was written and directed by C.K. and he also appears in the film as the father of a 17-year-old girl who has a romance with a 68-year-old filmmaker.

HBO said on Thursday that C.K.&#39;s past projects with the network, including 2006&#39;s &quot;Lucky Louie&quot; series, would be removed from its on-demand services and that the comedian would no longer participate in its Nov. 18 televised &quot;Night of Too Many Stars&quot; show.

Five women had accused CK of masturbating or asking to masturbate in front of them or on the telephone

US comedian Louis C.K. on Friday admitted to sexual misconduct allegations made against him by several women, and television and film companies moved quickly to sever ties. "These stories are true," C.K. said in a statement. Five women detailed incidents regarding the Emmy-winning comedian in a New York Times report published on Thursday, including three women who said he had masturbated in front of them. The allegations dated back 15 years. C.K. released his statement after his upcoming film "I Love You Daddy" was scrapped for release on Friday, and Netflix Inc cancelled a planned special with the comedian because of the allegations. Based on Louis CK's behavior, we are not making his second stand up special. — Netflix US (@netflix) November 10, 2017 × Television network FX, a unit of 21st Century Fox, also severed its ties with C.K, and Time Warner's TBS network said it was suspending production on an upcoming animated comedy "The Cops," which C.K. co-created and was due to star in. "He will no longer serve as executive producer or receive compensation on any of the four shows we were producing with him – 'Better Things,' 'Baskets,' 'One Mississippi' and 'The Cops'," FX Networks and FX productions said on Friday in an emailed statement. The comedian's publicist, Lewis Kay, announced on Twitter that "as of today, I no longer represent Louis C.K." C.K., 50, said in his statement that he has "been remorseful for my actions. And I've tried to learn from them. And run from them. Now I’m aware of the extent of the impact of my actions. I learned yesterday the extent to which I left these women who admired me feeling bad about themselves " his statement added. He is the latest celebrity in the entertainment business to be accused of sexual misconduct by people coming forward in the wake of allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey. C.K., who is best known for his TV comedy series "Louie," added that "I will now step back and take a long time to listen." He did not make clear how long he would be stepping back for. Two of the women in the New York Times article, comedians Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov, said C.K. had invited them to his hotel room after a comedy festival in Aspen, Colorado, in 2002 and then masturbated in front of them. "The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly," C.K. said, adding that he thought it was ok to show his genitals to women if he asked them first. "You asked but we never said yes," Goodman and Wolov tweeted on Friday after his apology. Netflix said earlier that it would not produce a planned second stand-up special with him. Film distributor The Orchard said it would not be moving forward with the release next week of "I Love You, Daddy." The movie was written and directed by C.K. and he also appears in the film as the father of a 17-year-old girl who has a romance with a 68-year-old filmmaker. HBO said on Thursday that C.K.'s past projects with the network, including 2006's "Lucky Louie" series, would be removed from its on-demand services and that the comedian would no longer participate in its Nov. 18 televised "Night of Too Many Stars" show.

'These stories are true,' says comedian Louis CK

The Los Angeles County district attorney on Thursday announced the establishment of a task force to investigate allegations of sexual assault in the entertainment industry.

It is a sign of the scope of the problem, which has been spotlighted by the flood of allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by powerful men in Hollywood that have emerged in recent weeks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/actress-portia-de-rossi-accuses-steven-seagal-of-sexual-harassment-23862" target="_blank">Also read: Actor Steven Seagal, comedian Louis CK accused of sexual misconduct</a>

&quot;In response to the widespread allegations of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry, I have established a task force of specially trained deputy district attorneys who are ready to evaluate these cases,&quot; Jackie Lacey said.

&quot;I have assigned the group of veteran sex crimes prosecutors to work together to ensure a uniformed approach to the legal review and possible prosecution of any case that meets both the legal and factual standards for criminal prosecution,&quot; Lacey said.

The New York Times and The New Yorker published articles on allegations that Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein had a decades-long history of sexual harassment and rape, prompting scores more women to speak out about his behavior and that of others in the entertainment industry.

Allegations have since emerged against &quot;House of Cards&quot; star Kevin Spacey, director James Toback, comedian Louis C.K. and others.

The task force was announced by the Los Angeles County district attorney

The Los Angeles County district attorney on Thursday announced the establishment of a task force to investigate allegations of sexual assault in the entertainment industry. It is a sign of the scope of the problem, which has been spotlighted by the flood of allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by powerful men in Hollywood that have emerged in recent weeks. Also read: Actor Steven Seagal, comedian Louis CK accused of sexual misconduct "In response to the widespread allegations of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry, I have established a task force of specially trained deputy district attorneys who are ready to evaluate these cases," Jackie Lacey said. "I have assigned the group of veteran sex crimes prosecutors to work together to ensure a uniformed approach to the legal review and possible prosecution of any case that meets both the legal and factual standards for criminal prosecution," Lacey said. The New York Times and The New Yorker published articles on allegations that Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein had a decades-long history of sexual harassment and rape, prompting scores more women to speak out about his behavior and that of others in the entertainment industry. Allegations have since emerged against "House of Cards" star Kevin Spacey, director James Toback, comedian Louis C.K. and others.

After flood of allegations, prosecutor sets up Hollywood sexual assault task force

The horror stories of sexual harrassment from Hollywood doesn&#39;t seem to end. After Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman, actor Charlie Sheen has now been accused of sexual miscondcut.&nbsp;

A report in the National Enquirer states that a 19-year-old Charlie Sheen had raped a 13-year-old Corey Haim on the sets of &nbsp;Lucas. Former actor Dominick Brascia, who was friends with Haim, spoke about the incident to the National Enquirer. 
 
&ldquo;He told me they smoked pot and had sex. He said they had anal sex. Haim said after it happened Sheen became very cold and rejected him. When Corey wanted to fool around again, Charlie was not interested,&rdquo; Brascia said.&nbsp; 
Brascia also blamed Sheen for pushing Haim towards drugs which ultimately led to his untimely death.&nbsp; 
 
Brascia added that Haim and Sheen again hooked up when Haim was in his 20s. &quot;Haim told me he had sex with Sheen again. He claimed he didn&rsquo;t like it and was finally over Sheen. He said Charlie was a loser.&rdquo;&nbsp;Incidentally, Brascia&#39;s claims were confirmed by another source close to Charlie Sheen who wished to remain anonymous. Charlie Sheen had confided to&nbsp;this source about his relations with Corey Haim but had insisted that it was consensual. 
 
&ldquo;Corey was so confused by the sexual encounter he believed, like so many victims, he was &lsquo;in love&rsquo; with his abuser,&rdquo; another source told The Enquirer. The Enquirer also quoted Corey Feldman, Haim&#39;s closest friend, who had recounted about the incident in his book Coreyography: A Memoir. &ldquo;At some point during the filming [of &lsquo;Lucas,&rsquo; Haim] explained an adult male convinced him it was perfectly normal for older men and younger boys in the business to have sexual relations, that it was &rdquo;what all guys do. So, they walked off to a secluded area between two trailers during a lunch break for the cast and crew, and Haim, innocent and ambitious as he was, allowed himself to be sodomized,&rdquo; Feldman wrote. 
 
Apart from the two actors, a woman who was also part of the Lucas set, also claimed that Sheen had once inappropriately kissed her and demanded they had sex in the bathroom. She was 17 back then.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;I had no interest in doing anything with him, so I let him know that. I didn&rsquo;t think he was all that special actually, like some of the girls in my class did. I actually thought he was a conceited a&ndash;hole. He was really obnoxious on the set,&rdquo; The Enquirers quoted her as saying.&nbsp; 
 
On Wednesday, Sheen&#39;s representative denied all the accusations by issuing a statement. &quot;Charlie Sheen categorically denies these allegations,&rdquo; The Hollywood Reporter mentioned. 
&nbsp;

A report in the National Enquirer states that a 19-year-old Charlie Sheen had raped a 13-year-old Corey Haim on the sets of Lucas.

The horror stories of sexual harrassment from Hollywood doesn't seem to end. After Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman, actor Charlie Sheen has now been accused of sexual miscondcut. A report in the National Enquirer states that a 19-year-old Charlie Sheen had raped a 13-year-old Corey Haim on the sets of Lucas. Former actor Dominick Brascia, who was friends with Haim, spoke about the incident to the National Enquirer. “He told me they smoked pot and had sex. He said they had anal sex. Haim said after it happened Sheen became very cold and rejected him. When Corey wanted to fool around again, Charlie was not interested,” Brascia said. Brascia also blamed Sheen for pushing Haim towards drugs which ultimately led to his untimely death. Brascia added that Haim and Sheen again hooked up when Haim was in his 20s. "Haim told me he had sex with Sheen again. He claimed he didn’t like it and was finally over Sheen. He said Charlie was a loser.” Incidentally, Brascia's claims were confirmed by another source close to Charlie Sheen who wished to remain anonymous. Charlie Sheen had confided to this source about his relations with Corey Haim but had insisted that it was consensual. “Corey was so confused by the sexual encounter he believed, like so many victims, he was ‘in love’ with his abuser,” another source told The Enquirer. The Enquirer also quoted Corey Feldman, Haim's closest friend, who had recounted about the incident in his book Coreyography: A Memoir. “At some point during the filming [of ‘Lucas,’ Haim] explained an adult male convinced him it was perfectly normal for older men and younger boys in the business to have sexual relations, that it was ”what all guys do. So, they walked off to a secluded area between two trailers during a lunch break for the cast and crew, and Haim, innocent and ambitious as he was, allowed himself to be sodomized,” Feldman wrote. Apart from the two actors, a woman who was also part of the Lucas set, also claimed that Sheen had once inappropriately kissed her and demanded they had sex in the bathroom. She was 17 back then. “I had no interest in doing anything with him, so I let him know that. I didn’t think he was all that special actually, like some of the girls in my class did. I actually thought he was a conceited a–hole. He was really obnoxious on the set,” The Enquirers quoted her as saying. On Wednesday, Sheen's representative denied all the accusations by issuing a statement. "Charlie Sheen categorically denies these allegations,” The Hollywood Reporter mentioned.

Charlie Sheen accused of raping 13-year-old Corey Haim on the sets of Lucas; the actor denies the allegation

As the Harvey Weinstein scandal continues to unravel, a report in a US newspaper said the disgraced Hollywood movie mogul hired a private investigation firm to collect information in an effort to suppress woman or journalists looking to expose him of sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

According to the The New Yorker, Weinstein employed Black Cube, which is mostly run by former Mossad officers and other Israeli intelligence agencies. With offices in Tel Aviv, London and Paris, the firm&rsquo;s operatives are highly trained when it comes to intelligence gathering.&nbsp;

He also hired Kroll, one of the world&rsquo;s largest corporate-intelligence company, the report said.

The investigator had allegedly met multiple woman&#39;s rights activists and women journalists to gather information and then passed on the information&nbsp;to Weinstein.

Actress Rose McGowan who had&nbsp;accused Weinstein of rape, was among those who said she was targeted by Weinstein&rsquo;s cadre of private investigators. 
&nbsp; 
Weinstein also hired law firms to help with the investigation, most notably David Boies. The New Yorker reported working with private investigation through law firms helps in protecting investigative information under attorney-client privilege.

The investigative report also said that the victims were intimidated and threatened by Weinstein.

In fact, Weinstein&nbsp;also intimidated David Carr, a&nbsp;journalist with The New York Times into not breaking a story of his&nbsp;alleged sexual assault years ago.&nbsp;

The New Yorker reporter reviewed &quot;dozens of pages of documents&quot; and confirmed with seven people over Weinstein&#39;s reported hiring of private firms to pressure women.

Harvey Weinstein hired private investigation firm to collect information and an effort to suppress the woman or journalists looking to expose him of sexual misconduct

As the Harvey Weinstein scandal continues to unravel, a report in a US newspaper said the disgraced Hollywood movie mogul hired a private investigation firm to collect information in an effort to suppress woman or journalists looking to expose him of sexual misconduct. According to the The New Yorker, Weinstein employed Black Cube, which is mostly run by former Mossad officers and other Israeli intelligence agencies. With offices in Tel Aviv, London and Paris, the firm’s operatives are highly trained when it comes to intelligence gathering. He also hired Kroll, one of the world’s largest corporate-intelligence company, the report said. The investigator had allegedly met multiple woman's rights activists and women journalists to gather information and then passed on the information to Weinstein. Actress Rose McGowan who had accused Weinstein of rape, was among those who said she was targeted by Weinstein’s cadre of private investigators. Weinstein also hired law firms to help with the investigation, most notably David Boies. The New Yorker reported working with private investigation through law firms helps in protecting investigative information under attorney-client privilege. The investigative report also said that the victims were intimidated and threatened by Weinstein. In fact, Weinstein also intimidated David Carr, a journalist with The New York Times into not breaking a story of his alleged sexual assault years ago. The New Yorker reporter reviewed "dozens of pages of documents" and confirmed with seven people over Weinstein's reported hiring of private firms to pressure women.

Ex-Mossad officers were 'Army of spies' hired by Weinstein: Report

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