Oprah Winfrey backed the press and women who faced sexual harassment or assault
Oprah Winfrey, described aptly by some as ‘the high priestess of television and film’, backed the press and women who have faced sexual harassment or assault as she accepted the 2018 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for her contributions to the world of entertainment, the first black woman to get the honour.
More than any award handed out on Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, Winfrey’s speech, which was greeted by a rousing, ongoing standing ovation, encapsulated the “Me Too” mood at an atypically powerful Golden Globes, reported news agency AP. The night, usually one reserved for more carefree partying, served as Hollywood’s fullest response yet to the sexual harassment scandals that have roiled the film industry and laid bare its gender inequalities.
Paying a moving tribute to Recy Taylor — a black woman who was gang-raped by six white men in 1944, became a central figure in the early civil rights movement, and passed away just ten days ago — she launched into a speech about the importance of the international #MeToo movement.
The obstacles and pressures on the media was another issue she raised forcefully. “We know the press is under siege these days,” Winfrey said. “We also know it’s the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice.”
“I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this,” Winfrey added. “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.”
Trump has long made it a habit to criticize the media — particularly outlets that publish stories critical of him. For example, he announced last week he would give awards for “THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR” on Jan. 17.
Winfrey continued to express her support for women who have encountered sexual harassment and assault, noting the courage displayed by women who have shared their stories.
“So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon. And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again. Thank you,” Winfrey concluded.
The #MeToo movement began late last year as women started to share their personal stories with the #MeToo hashtag on social media, after a series of sexual assault and harassment allegations emerged against prominent figures. Included were members of the Hollywood elite, starting with movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who allegedly sexually abused women over the course of 40 years.
In response, members of the Hollywood elite including Oprah decided to show their solidarity with female victims of sexual harassment by wearing black to the 2018 Golden Globes Ceremony.