Yesterday Fresh Off the Boat star Constance Wu took to Twitter to voice her dismay that Casey Affleck, who has faced several sexual harassment allegations, was nominated for an Oscar.
https://twitter.com/ConstanceWu/status/823906218963939328
https://twitter.com/ConstanceWu/status/823908642705412096
The buying “ur way out of trouble” Wu is referring to is how the Manchester by the Sea star reached a settlement in his 2010 sexual harassment suits. While working on the documentary I’m Still Here, one woman claimed Affleck physical intimidated her, sent her abusive texts, and encouraged other men to expose themselves to her in a professional environment. Another woman who worked on the film also filed suit, saying he groped her as she slept. Though Affleck first denied the allegations, he eventually went into mediation and settled.
On Twitter, Wu went on to call the Academy’s nomination of Affleck a nod to President Donald Trump, since both are men who’ve been accused of sexual harassment and have not only walked away with their careers intact but have also been rewarded.
“Art does not exist for the sake of awards, but awards DO exist to honor all that art is trying to accomplish in life,” she said. “So context matters. Because in acting, human life matters. It’s why art exists. I know it’s just an award but… the treatment of human life matters to me. So I stand the fuck up for it.”
https://twitter.com/ConstanceWu/status/823914886463766528
Many online are commending Wu for sounding off. Others are also noting how Hollywood and the public will ignore allegations against Affleck and other white famous men like Woody Allen, but black director Nate Parker, who was acquitted of rape in college, was crucified last year when Birth of a Nation was released.
America rewarded misogyny with the presidency. Hollywood should ponder if they're acting in kind. Follow @ConstanceWu and listen. #Oscars
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) January 24, 2017
@ConstanceWu should fckin' run for President man. 💕 Thank you for being an actual decent human being 💕 pic.twitter.com/u5kMU5L0YH
— Vanesa Sale (@vanesa_sale) January 25, 2017
@ConstanceWu Love & respect your integrity! They crucified Nate Parker for the same thing & honor Casey Affleck. #womensrightsAREhumanrights https://t.co/b9FfvyqReY
— ShawnJ West (Actor) (@Star_ShawnJ) January 25, 2017
Wu later took to Twitter to say she was counseled not to talk about this for her “career’s sake.” But that wasn’t going to stop her. “F my career then, I’m a woman & human first. That’s what my craft is built on.”
https://twitter.com/ConstanceWu/status/823915581963284480