Asia Argento was one of the more important figureheads of the #MeToo movement back in 2016 when the actress spoke out about the sexual assault perpetrated on her by Harvey Weinstein. However, after being accused herself of sexual assault a year later, by unknown actor Jimmy Bennett, Argento is changing her tune when it comes to #MeToo.
Speaking to French paper Le Monde, Argento is saying Americans have taken such a Robespierre-like mentality to the movement because they lack perception and thoughtfulness, at least when compared to Europeans who are more open-minded:
“Regarding the injustices I suffered, I felt that the Europeans were more perceptive than the Americans,” said Argento. “Many here have understood that the actor who accuses me of pedophilia, Jimmy Bennett, is being manipulated. This surge of solidarity touched me. Because of this, I lived through the terrible years of 2017 and 2018.”
The actress then condemned the American movie industry for commercializing the movement into a reactionary brand:
“#MeToo has become a Hollywood product, something silly, a bit fake and reactionary: a badge, an evening dress, and that’s it,” she said. “Christian democracy in all its splendor. So-and-so denounces so-and-so because he pushed his head when they made love… As if there was a morbid interest in the sex life of celebrities – all the more so if it is a little deviant.”
Spot on.