Amber Tamblyn is done with not being believed. In a powerful new op-ed for The New York Times, the actress/director took aim at how the claims of women are habitually dismissed and how a culture of objectification, accepted harassment and folks like Mr. James Woods allow this to happen.
“For women in America who come forward with stories of harassment, abuse and sexual assault, there are not two sides to every story, however noble that principle might seem,” writes Tamblyn. “Women do not get to have a side. They get to have an interrogation. Too often, they are questioned mercilessly about whether their side is legitimate. Especially if that side happens to accuse a man of stature, then that woman has to consider the scrutiny and repercussions she’ll be subjected to by sharing her side.”
The piece arrives not too far removed from a Twitter exchange involving Armie Hammer and James Woods. Tamblyn alleged there was a pick-up attempt with a predatory twist. She also wrote an open letter to the actor on the subject for Teen Vogue.
James Woods tried to pick me and my friend up at a restaurant once. He wanted to take us to Vegas. "I'm 16" I said. "Even better" he said.
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) September 11, 2017
Woods has denied the scene laid out by Tamblyn and she replied to his claims with razor sharp wit.
“What would I get out of accusing this person of such an action, almost 20 years after the fact? Notoriety, power or respect? I am more than confident with my quota of all three,” reasons Tamblyn. “Even then, why would I choose the guy from Scary Movie 2 to help my stature when I’m already married to the other guy from Scary Movie 2?”
The piece also sees Tamblyn get candid about the process of reporting harassment and the struggle that comes from having your claims taken seriously.
“I have been afraid of speaking out or asking things of men in positions of power for years,” writes Tamblyn in the op-ed. “What I have experienced as an actress working in a business whose business is to objectify women is frightening. It is the deep end of a pool where I cannot swim. It is a famous man telling you that you are a liar for what you have remembered. For what you must have misremembered, unless you have proof.”
As you might suspect, the entire op-ed is worth your time.
(Via New York Times)
