James Van Der Beek has revealed his own experience of sexual harassment in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
The 40-year-old actor made his acting debut when he was just 16, appearing in an off-Broadway production of Edward Albee’s Finding The Sun. His career-making role, however, came when he landed the lead in teen TV drama Dawson’s Creek, aged 21. Making a name for himself in Tinseltown at such a young age had its disadvantages though, which James opened up about in a series of tweets on Wednesday night (12Oct17).
Responding to the claims that Weinstein had sexually harassed legions of Hollywood stars over a three-decade period, James revealed his own experience with sexual harassment in the industry, writing:
https://twitter.com/vanderjames/status/918349928547708929
“I’ve had my ass grabbed by older, powerful men, I’ve had them corner me in inappropriate sexual conversations when I was much younger.
https://twitter.com/vanderjames/status/918350756092305413
“I understand the unwarranted shame, powerlessness & inability to blow the whistle. There’s a power dynamic that feels impossible to overcome.”
James had earlier taken to his Twitter page to criticize those who have slammed the women coming forward with allegations about Weinstein’s behavior.
https://twitter.com/vanderjames/status/918345089725927425
“For anyone judging the women who stayed silent, read this for perspective. Also for anyone brushing off harassment as ‘boys being boys’…
https://twitter.com/vanderjames/status/918346346989604865
What Weinstein is being accused of is criminal. What he’s admitted to is unacceptable – in any industry. I applaud everybody speaking out.”
James isn’t the only male Hollywood star to come forward with a tale of sexual harassment. NFL football player turned actor Terry Crews revealed earlier this week that a “high level Hollywood executive” groped him.
