Women in the World Summit: Weinstein accusers speak out
NEW YORK — An Italian actress who was one of the first women to speak out against disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein said Thursday that the #MeToo movement is “the most important thing” to happen to women since the right to vote.
Asia Argento spoke at the opening panel of the Women in the World summit in New York City. She was joined by Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, an Italian model who has accused Weinstein of groping her, and Laura Boldrini, a member of Italy’s parliament who is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights.
The panel was moderated by Ronan Farrow, who wrote the New Yorker magazine article in which Argento and others spoke out.
The three women talked about backlash they have faced since coming forward, particularly in their home country of Italy. Battilana Gutierrez did not discuss Weinstein with Farrow, saying she could not because of legal issues. Instead, she talked about earlier experiences she had as a teenager in Italy after speaking out against former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for sexual improprieties. Bodroni discussed threats she has received, including a bullet in the mail, while Argento talked about an essay she wrote discussing the insults and slurs she has endured.