Patricia Arquette just shared a personal story demonstrating the difficult position women are in when it comes to workplace harassment
As you probably know, in light of the Harvey Weinstein news coming out, many celebrities — especially women — have been speaking up about harassment in Hollywood. They’ve been tweeting, Instagramming, you name it. Now, Patricia Arquette shared a personal story demonstrating the difficult position women are in when it comes to workplace harassment, reported People.
In a thread that spanned several tweets, Arquette wrote about an experience with Oliver Stone. She’d had a meeting with Stone about starring in a “very sexual” movie of his, and wrote about what happened after that meeting. But we’ll let her speak for herself.
THREAD 1/ Years ago Oliver Stone wanted me to do a movie.We talked about the Material which was very sexual.The meeting was professional.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
2/ then I received from him long stem jungle roses. It's not uncommon to receive flowers but something about them felt weird. I ignored it
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
3/ then his assistant called to make sure it got them. I thanked them. He then invited me to a screening of Natual Born Killers.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
3/Something felt weird so I asked my boyfriend to go with me. The room was packed. Oliver stopped me coming out of the bathroom
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
4/ He said "Why did you bring him?" I said "Why is it a problem I brought him? It shouldn't be a problem. Think about THAT Oliver."
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
5/ anyway never heard about the movie again & didn't care to.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
These next three tweets illustrate exactly the issues women face in these situations.
What I am saying is women are always f-cked. 1)Why didn't you say something? 2) nothing happened! 3)it's not professional if U bring BF!
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
4) why DIDN'T you bring your boyfriend? 5) Believe women! & seconds later Don't believe women!
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
6) Trust your instincts! 7) Your instincts are not valid!
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
As Patricia Arquette writes, harassment is a universal problem.
What I am demonstrating is the craggy and uncertain terrain women negotiate in Entertainment and all businesses.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
By all means this is a problem in Hollywood. But I have also experienced sexual impropriety in a gynecologist office. It's everywhere.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
I have experienced sexual impropriety since I was 4 years old-out in the world.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
There was a job I had when I was 15 where I experienced NO sexually questionable confusing anything. I worked for planned parenthood. @PPact
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 13, 2017
Of course, people on Twitter are loving what Arquette said.
Let 'em know, Miss Patricia!!! Call. Him. Out. pic.twitter.com/pzEgCyrYtz
— Sonya💎 #PSL Life 🎃☕️ (@meSonyaB) October 13, 2017
In fact, they’re loving that many women in Hollywood are speaking up and speaking out.
think it is amazing all celebs telling their stories thrusocial media.Wishing there was a way noncelebs in industry can get voice out too.
— unclejenkins (@livingkimsdash) October 13, 2017
It’s worth noting that Patricia’s story isn’t the only one coming out naming Oliver Stone as acting inappropriately. Carrie Stevens, a former Playboy model, accused the director of groping her. For too long, there has been a culture of brushing allegations like these under the rug and not believing the women (and men) who speak out. We’re so glad that celebrities like Patricia Arquette, Rose McGowan, and Terry Crews are speaking out for themselves and for victims and survivors everywhere.
Patricia’s story is unique to her, but not different than the ones many women have to share. As we all begin to speak up, we create a culture where more women’s voices are listened to and believed. Although we wish all this harassment would disappear — and no one would cross those boundaries in the first place — we’re glad more and more people, celebrities and not, keep sharing their stories. There’s safety in numbers.
