She Said

7.244

2022 1080p 2h 9m 0

In a groundbreaking moment for journalism and social activism, The New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor uncovered one of the most significant stories of their generation. Their investigative reporting exposed widespread sexual harassment in Hollywood, forever altering the landscape of the entertainment industry and igniting the global #MeToo movement. The story, which broke in 2017, focused on the actions of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, revealing decades of sexual misconduct, assault, and abuse of power.

The investigation began when Twohey and Kantor received tip-offs from sources who had remained silent for years, fearful of the repercussions of speaking out against a powerful figure like Weinstein. These whistleblowers included actresses, former employees, and other women who had been subjected to sexual harassment and worse by the influential producer. At the time, Weinstein was celebrated as one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, and his career spanned decades, during which he helped produce some of the most iconic films in the history of cinema.

The two reporters worked meticulously, gathering evidence, interviewing victims, and corroborating stories from women who had been silenced for years. They faced immense pressure and resistance in their pursuit of the truth. Many of the women were hesitant to speak out, due to the threat of legal retaliation, reputational damage, and the fear of losing their careers. However, Twohey and Kantor persisted, demonstrating the courage and perseverance that would ultimately lead to a breakthrough in the investigation.

In their reporting, the journalists uncovered a pattern of behavior by Weinstein that had been enabled by a system that protected his actions for years. The power dynamics in Hollywood, they revealed, created an environment where victims had little recourse or support. Many women felt forced into silence due to the dominance of figures like Weinstein and the systemic culture of fear that pervaded the entertainment industry.

The New York Times article, published on October 5, 2017, sent shockwaves across the globe. The piece not only exposed the dark underbelly of Hollywood, but it also marked a turning point in how sexual assault and harassment were discussed in the public sphere. Women began to speak out in unprecedented numbers, using the #MeToo hashtag to share their experiences. The movement quickly gained momentum, transcending Hollywood and reaching across industries, from media to politics to technology.

The impact of the Times investigation was immediate and far-reaching. Weinstein was swiftly fired from his company, expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and faced multiple legal charges. His fall from grace was the beginning of a broader reckoning in which many other powerful men in various fields were held accountable for their actions. The #MeToo movement, fueled by the bravery of the women who spoke out, became a catalyst for change, reshaping conversations about consent, power, and gender equality in workplaces around the world.

For Twohey and Kantor, the story was not just a professional triumph, but a personal one as well. Their work represented a significant shift in the relationship between journalism and social justice. The investigation into Weinstein’s abuse was a victory for the power of investigative reporting to bring about change, and it underscored the vital role of the press in holding the powerful accountable. Their work remains a testament to the importance of courage in the face of adversity and the enduring impact of truthful storytelling.

Director: Alexander Armero, David Stafford, Duccio Fabbri, Elena Antzon, Maria Schrader, Melinda Ziyadat, Ozzy Emery, Rebecca Breckel, Roberta Butti, Sofía Blanco, Thomas Moodie, Tristan Ringenoldus