RTTue, 21 Aug 2018 17:09 UTC
© Brendan McDermid/REUTERS
The #MeToo figurehead and actor Asia Argento has denied accusations she sexually assaulted former co-star Jimmy Bennett. The alleged hush money she gave him was
an act of compassion, she said.
Argento, who has accused movie producer Harvey Weinstein of rape, is herself the subject of allegations surrounding an inappropriate relationship with Bennett.
As shown by documents seen by the
New York Times, Argento allegedly arranged to pay Bennett $380,000 after
he accused her of sexual assault in a California hotel when he was aged 17.
She indicated that she paid Bennett after he had made "an exorbitant request of money" from the Italian actor. She also stated that
her late partner Anthony Bourdain bore the financial cost, fearing "possible negative publicity."Bennett's request for money came at a time when the underage actor was "undergoing severe economic problems" and going through a legal battle with his family, Argento also stated. Bennett has yet to comment publicly on Argento's statement.
Comment: Live by the sword, die by the sword. It's quite ironic to see a woman at the center of the #MeToo movement ("always believe victims") put in the exact same position as many of the men on the receiving end of accusations. Should we not "believe the victims"? Here's the thing: Argento may be innocent. That's the point. People are innocent until proven guilty - something the #MeToo movement has forgotten. Unfortunately, this latest bit of news isn't likely to change their minds.
What makes this particular case slightly more disturbing - if the allegations are true - is that Argento and Bennett
referred to each other as "mom" and "son".
Comment: Live by the sword, die by the sword. It's quite ironic to see a woman at the center of the #MeToo movement ("always believe victims") put in the exact same position as many of the men on the receiving end of accusations. Should we not "believe the victims"? Here's the thing: Argento may be innocent. That's the point. People are innocent until proven guilty - something the #MeToo movement has forgotten. Unfortunately, this latest bit of news isn't likely to change their minds.
What makes this particular case slightly more disturbing - if the allegations are true - is that Argento and Bennett referred to each other as "mom" and "son".