In the era of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, Hollywood celebrities have been at the forefront of speaking out against sexual harassment and assault. From sharing their own experiences to calling out powerful figures in the industry, these stars have been vocal and unapologetic in their support for victims. However, in the wake of recent allegations against Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell, it seems that some of these celebrities have chosen to remain silent.
Several women have come forward with accusations of unwanted sexual advances and even rape against Swalwell. Yet, on the first day of these allegations coming to light, many Hollywood celebrities known for their political activism and outspokenness have not uttered a word. This silence is especially deafening given the fact that these same celebrities were quick to condemn other politicians and public figures accused of similar misconduct.
For years, we have heard the rallying cry of “believe women” and “stand with survivors” from these celebrities, yet when it comes to a member of their own political party facing serious accusations, they seem to have forgotten these values. It begs the question – why the double standard? Is it simply because Swalwell is a Democrat and they do not want to hold one of their own accountable?
One example of this silence is actress and activist Alyssa Milano, who has been a prominent figure in the #MeToo movement. Milano has often used her platform to amplify the voices of survivors and advocate for change, but when it comes to Swalwell, she has not made a single statement. This is especially notable considering Milano has had no qualms about publicly calling out other Democratic politicians, such as Al Franken and Joe Biden, for their past misconduct.
Another example is actress and activist Amber Tamblyn, who wrote a powerful op-ed in the New York Times about standing with survivors in the aftermath of Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings. Yet, in the case of Swalwell, Tamblyn has chosen to remain silent, despite being an outspoken supporter of the #MeToo movement and a co-founder of Time’s Up.
It is not just these two celebrities, but many others who have been noticeably quiet on the issue. Rosie O’Donnell, Debra Messing, and Brie Larson, who have all been vocal advocates for women’s rights and equality, have not made any public statements regarding these allegations against Swalwell. It is disheartening to see these celebrities, who have been such powerful voices for change, turn a blind eye to misconduct within their own political party.
While the majority of Hollywood has been silent, there is one notable exception – actress and model Elizabeth Hurley. Hurley, who is not known for being vocal about political issues, took to Twitter to express her concern over the allegations against Swalwell. She wrote, “If any of the alleged victims are willing to come forward and have their stories told, it would make it much harder for Eric Swalwell to side-step these most serious of accusations against him.”
Her statement echoes the sentiment of many who are frustrated with the lack of accountability for Swalwell. If these allegations are true, it is not only a betrayal of trust for the women involved, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for other politicians to continue engaging in inappropriate and potentially criminal behavior without facing consequences.
It is time for Hollywood celebrities to practice what they preach. If they truly believe in standing with survivors and holding abusers accountable, they cannot stay silent when one of their own is facing serious accusations. Every person, regardless of their political affiliation, should be held accountable for their actions. It is a disservice to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements to pick and choose who to believe and support based on political alliances.
In conclusion, Hollywood’s silence on the allegations against Eric Swalwell is both disappointing and concerning. As influential figures, these celebrities have a responsibility to use their platform to speak out against injustice and hold those in positions of power accountable. It is time for them to break their silence and stand with the survivors who have come forward, just as they have done in the past. We cannot pick and choose when to support and believe victims – it must be consistent, regardless of who the perpetrator may be.
