Empowering Women: Julia Ormond Champions A Generation Unafraid to Speak Up

Sara Stewart, a film and culture writer residing in western Pennsylvania, often wonders about the fate of actresses from bygone eras when watching movies from previous decades. It is disheartening to observe the frequent disappearance of talented actresses who were once highly regarded. This sentiment arises quite frequently for Sara, given that her favorite films come from the 1980s and 1990s.

Sara Stewart

The list of names is extensive, filled with widely-publicized rumors about various performers being labeled as "difficult." This term has always seemed unclear to me, but for a long time, there was no alternative story to dispel or unravel it.

Julia Ormond, an actress I've always been curious about, recently stepped forward. According to Variety, she filed a lawsuit last Wednesday, accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual battery. Additionally, she named the Creative Rights Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, and Miramax for their alleged negligence in the matter.

Ormond's claim states that Weinstein sexually assaulted her in 1995 following a business dinner. She claims to have informed her agents about the incident, and they allegedly discouraged her from speaking out. As a result, she is suing CAA, where her former agents Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane currently serve as co-chairs, for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.

A representative for Harvey Weinstein stated to CNN that he strongly denies the allegations made by Julia Ormond and is fully prepared to defend himself. The representative also stated that these allegations occur many years after the incidents in question, and Weinstein believes that the evidence will not support Ormond's claims.

CNN has contacted Miramax, The Walt Disney Company, CAA, Lourd, and Huvane for comment regarding the lawsuit. While Lourd and Huvane are not directly named as defendants in the lawsuit, they were also contacted. CAA, in a statement to Deadline, expressed seriousness in regards to allegations of sexual assault and abuse and showed compassion for Ormond and her described experience. However, CAA claims that the allegations against the agency are completely baseless.

(from left) Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) in She Said, directed by Maria Schrader.

JoJo Whilden/Universal Pictures

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In the mid-1990s, Ormond's career was skyrocketing. She made a big impact starring alongside Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins in the Western melodrama "Legends of the Fall" in 1994. The following year, she co-starred with Sean Connery in "First Knight" and appeared in a high-profile remake of "Sabrina" with Harrison Ford and Greg Kinnear. Surprisingly, this was just two years after the "Year of the Woman" at the Oscars.

An interview with Ormond, now 58, was recently published in Rolling Stone. The interview includes disturbing details from a lawsuit where Ormond recounts what happened when she told her agents at the time. Shockingly, Ormond claims that instead of supporting her, her agents suggested that reporting Weinstein would discredit her and damage her career. Furthermore, after the incident and her disclosure to her agents, Ormond states that CAA lost interest in representing her, resulting in a significant setback to her career.

Can you fathom it? Undoubtedly, you can.

It is utterly disturbing and enraging to peruse. Moreover, the feeling of sickness intensifies when one delves into the accounts of other women within the film industry who have bravely come forward, years later, to share their own stories: Annabella Sciorra, Darryl Hannah, Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino, Rosanna Arquette, Heather Graham, Claire Forlani, Rae Dawn Chong, Salma Hayek, Uma Thurman. Only a few managed to evade the obliteration of their careers by rejecting the advances of Weinstein and others, or by reporting actual assaults. Unfortunately, many were not as fortunate.

According to a recent survey conducted by Women in Film, six years following the initiation of the #MeToo movement, several promising findings have emerged. Many women in the industry express a sense of significant progress, although one particular detail stands out. Nearly half of former entertainment industry workers, who participated in the survey, state that their departure from the industry was predominantly due to instances of abuse or misconduct.

Summing up my own skepticism regarding the prevalence of inappropriate behavior within the industry, one respondent aptly expressed, "I firmly believe that #MeToo has achieved nothing except for teaching men how to conceal their actions more effectively."

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James Franco, the renowned actor, made an appearance at the prestigious 2017 Governors Awards, held in Hollywood, California on November 11, 2017 (AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON). Captured in the majestic photograph is Franco, radiating charm and charisma, as he graced the event with his presence. The photo credit goes to VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images.

VALERIE MACON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

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Given the alarmingly low reporting rate of sexual assault, with the Brennan Center for Justice referencing a 2016 Justice Department analysis that revealed 80% of rapes and sexual assaults go unreported, it is reasonable to assume that there are countless untold stories by women in Hollywood. These women, who are more likely to attract media attention when they do come forward, deserve consideration. What about those who have suffered outside of the public eye?

As expected, CAA has accused Ormond of attempting to extort them, claiming that her team demanded a payout to avoid being included in the lawsuit. This accusation is a common response to women who speak out, implying that they are solely motivated by money or fame (as if having your assault and personal life dissected publicly is a type of fame anyone would desire). Why has she chosen to reveal this now, after so many years? In my personal experience, I have a firsthand explanation for that.

In my extensive career as an entertainment journalist, I have encountered fascinating narratives from women who were active in the industry during the 1980s and 1990s. These stories often expose the harsh realities they faced, even though they remain incredibly captivating.

I have been exposed to numerous accounts of women who felt compelled to conform, playing along with the prevailing misogynistic culture and dismissing offensive behavior as mere amusement. They had to skillfully navigate physical and psychological obstacles to ward off unwelcome advances. Unfortunately, many eventually made the difficult decision to completely withdraw from the industry. The few who chose to persist exude an undeniable sense of world-weariness that deeply affects me, despite being grateful for their exceptional contributions to the world of film.

The fact that Ormond's case is targeting not just Weinstein, but also the individuals who were in a position to protect him, is gratifying. In my line of work, it is expected for us to put ourselves in a submissive position to these individuals who have power over the industry. They are the initial line of defense, and when these individuals are unethical, they only exacerbate the harm experienced. Sign up for our weekly newsletter at no cost.

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I previously wrote a story during awards season regarding an actor/director who was accused of sexual harassment by multiple women from his team. The case has since been resolved through an out-of-court settlement, making it difficult to determine the truth. My intention was simply to bring attention to the allegations before this individual was publicly praised.

During that time, I received a call from one of his representatives who attempted to dissuade me from pursuing the story. I was told that I was embarrassing myself, that my writing lacked foundation, and that this person had undoubtedly done nothing wrong. This experience provided me with a slight glimpse into the resistance one may face within the industry. I can only imagine how much more challenging it would be to personally accuse a famous man of such misconduct.

In her Rolling Stone interview, Ormond acknowledges the potential consequences that come with publicly pursuing a predator, especially one who is already imprisoned. She discusses the fear of facing severe backlash and potentially losing future work opportunities if she speaks out. However, she also expresses her unwillingness to participate in hypocrisy. Ormond seeks personal accountability and hopes that her actions will contribute to bringing about meaningful change.

Considering the character assassination of Amber Heard, the increased popularity of alleged sexual predator Russell Brand, and the countless unnamed women who have experienced sexual harassment in the film industry and across all other sectors worldwide, I desperately wish for Ormond to succeed.