Last night, Time’s Up took over the Golden Globes with a big statement about sexual harassment and assault in Hollywood and beyond.
The Golden Globes are always a big night in Hollywood. But this year, it wasn’t because of the drunken antics.
On January 1, the #TimesUp legal defense fund was born. The “leaderless” group is fighting sexual harassment and abuse across all industries and, last night, it took center stage, literally.
The hashtag #whywewearblack started trending on Twitter on Sunday night as women and men attending the awards ceremony in Hollywood committed to wearing black as a sign of protest and solidarity. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, there was a significant debate over whether this gesture was going to be anything more than a superficial show of support.
But last night, women and their allies made numerous demonstrations of their willingness to rise to the occasion. Big-name actresses brought activists as their dates and spoke truth to power (we see you, Oprah).
Even from the most menial perspective, seeing women asked about something other than their dresses for once was a refreshing change. And as viewers around the world watched the red carpet coverage and the ceremony, they too chimed in about what #whywewearblack means to them, and how it has the potential to spark a broader conversation:
I’m inspired by the women who are bringing activist guests to the Golden Globes. It is remarkable to them using the visibility of the red carpet to elevate the dialogue and bring social change. #TIMESUP #WhyWeWearBlack 1/2— Jessica Post (@JessicaPost) January 7, 2018
My dude, please. You starred in Wonder Wheel, Woody Allen’s most recent film. #GoldenGlobes #GoldenGlobes2018 https://t.co/8Dfq1x2jRn— Rachel Vorona Cote (@RVoronaCote) January 7, 2018
I’m not an actress, writer, or star. But I’m a human, woman, citizen, and mother. And in all of those capacities I intend to do my part somehow to combat a culture which belittles or betrays women’s worth and contributions. #timesup #whywewearblack pic.twitter.com/JEtEH1KYBr— Tiffoknee (@mbpolymath) January 7, 2018
Cognitive dissonance is working with W*ody Allen and then ~bravely~ throwing on some black clothes so u can take part in #WhyWeWearBlack— Laura (@lozgoz_) January 8, 2018
Thank you @Oprah for your powerful words & story. “I want to express gratitude to women who have endured years of abuse & assault because they had children to feed, bills to pay, & dreams to pursue. They are #DomesticWorkers, Farmworkers.”#TIMESUP #WhyWeWearBlack #GoldenGlobes— Ai-jen Poo (@aijenpoo) January 8, 2018
Hi please ask men on the red carpet why they continue to work with men they know are predators. Please do not ask them about their black tuxedos. #GoldenGlobes— KB (@KaraRBrown) January 7, 2018
I don’t know if it’s already been said…but let’s bring #WhyWeWearBlack to work and school tomorrow. #TimesUp for all industries, not just Hollywood.Who’s down?— Blair Imani (@BlairImani) January 8, 2018
“This moment is so powerful because we are seeing a collaboration between this two worlds, and that most people would try to put us again each other.” –@TaranaBurke founder of #metoo #WhyWeWearBlack #TIMESUP #GoldenGlobe pic.twitter.com/Hi5VNxay1A— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) January 7, 2018
Whenever there’s major media attention on the issue of sexual abuse, orgs like rape crisis centres, @endrapeoncampus & @EROCAustralia are hit with an influx of work, but not increased resources. If you can, send a few $$ to a support org. #MeToo #WhyWeWearBlack #TIMESUP— Sharna Bremner (@sharnatweets) January 8, 2018
Donate to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund here.
Words: Eva GrantPhoto: Courtesy
