#MeToo and #TimesUp are showing no signs of slowing down. In the wake of public outcry over the disparity between Claire Foy and Matt Smith’s pay on “The Crown,” the Netflix series’ producers have issued an apology. Time’s Up succeeded in persuading New York governor Andrew Cuomo to review a 2015 sexual assault investigation into Harvey Weinstein. And the Weinstein Company has finally declared bankruptcy.
According to The Guardian, “Crown” producers Left Bank Pictures apologized to Foy and Smith for the pay gap. “The actors are not aware of who gets what, and cannot be held personally responsible for the pay of their colleagues,” the company stated.
News broke last week that Foy, who plays lead character Queen Elizabeth II, earned less than Smith, who plays supporting character Prince Philip. Subsequently a Care2 petition calling for Smith to donate his extra pay to the Time’s Up legal fund was launched. The petition is urging Netflix to donate to Time’s Up. We think the producers should pay Claire Foy the difference in pay.
Netflix recently shrugged off the idea it should adopt the inclusion rider. “We’re not so big on doing everything through agreements,” said CEO Reed Hastings. “We’re trying to do things creatively.”
Left Bank said they are “keen to talk to Time’s Up UK,” and are working with gender equality initiative ERA 50:50.
Time’s Up communication with Governor Cuomo is already paying off. Cuomo directed the state attorney to review New York County district attorney Cyrus Vance’s handling of a 2015 investigation into sexual assault allegations against Weinstein, Vulture reports.
Time’s Up pressed Cuomo to begin an independent investigation in a letter published in The Cut on Sunday. The organization is questioning Vance’s decision not to bring charges against Weinstein for assaulting Ambra Battilana.
“Reports that District Attorney Cyrus Vance could have been improperly influenced by Mr. Weinstein and/or his representatives, and that senior officials within the DA’s office may have sought to intimidate Battilana are particularly disturbing and merit investigation,” Time’s Up writes. “Similarly, reports that the New York Police Department chose to isolate Battilana from Vance’s staff because they feared his office was actively working to discredit her story demand immediate scrutiny.”
In a statement Cuomo declared, “It is critical not only that these cases are given the utmost attention but also that there is public confidence in the handling of these cases.” He added, “The recent revelations about sexual assault and harassment pervasive in our society are most disturbing. We are leading the way forward with the nation’s most comprehensive reform package. This behavior must end.”
Meanwhile, one of the worst enablers of this behavior, the Weinstein Co. (TWC), has filed for bankruptcy — but is not quite dead yet, Variety writes. The company, which has been in free fall since the Weinstein revelations last October, still might be able to produce TV and film under new ownership. “Lantern Capital put in a ‘stalking horse’ bid, which provides a floor for a bankruptcy auction,” the source details.
TWC also announced that it is releasing its employees from their non-disclosure agreements. “No one should be afraid to speak out or coerced to stay quiet,” the company said. “The Company thanks the courageous individuals who have already come forward. Your voices have inspired a movement for change across the country and around the world.”
According to its bankruptcy filing, TWC has less than $500,000 in cash on hand. It has a secured debt of $345 million and an unsecured debt of $148 million.
Bidders have been expressing interest in the company on and off for some time now. The most recent offer, from billionaire Ron Burkle, fell through earlier in March.
Check out Governor Cuomo’s full statement about the review of the 2015 Weinstein investigation below, courtesy of Vulture.
It is of great concern that sexual assault cases have not been pursued with full vigor by our criminal justice system. Specifically, there are questions about the handling of the 2015 sexual assault case of Ms. Ambra Battilana against Harvey Weinstein.
The Manhattan District Attorney is currently in the midst of a separate investigation, which involves witnesses and facts from the 2015 case. The Manhattan District Attorney at this point believes this current investigation will be completed within approximately 45 days. It is critical not only that these cases are given the utmost attention but also that there is public confidence in the handling of these cases. Therefore, I have directed the Attorney General to begin a review of the 2015 case in a way that does not interfere with the current investigation and, at the conclusion of the Manhattan District Attorney’s current investigation, to review the entire matter and report to me on its findings. Based on these findings we will decide what further actions may be necessary.
The recent revelations about sexual assault and harassment pervasive in our society are most disturbing. We are leading the way forward with the nation’s most comprehensive reform package. This behavior must end.
