Rose McGowan is finally breaking her silence on the alleged s**ual assault she claims occurred at the hands of Harvey Weinstein.
The actress shares her harrowing experience in her forthcoming book, BRAVE, recounting a disturbing incident that she says took place in 1997 during the Sundance Film Festival.
Prior to this revelation, McGowan, 44, had previously made accusations against Weinstein on social media but had not delved into the specifics of the purported assault.
In a review of BRAVE published by the New York Times, it was noted that McGowan only refers to Weinstein as “the Monster” within the book.
According to the account, the Charmed actress describes being summoned to his suite in Park City, Utah under the pretext of discussing her career prospects.
Responding to McGowan’s allegations, Weinstein’s lawyer, Ben Brafman, issued a statement to PEOPLE refuting the claims of non-consensual s**ual contact and emphasizing the distinction between inappropriate behavior and consensual interactions that were later regretted, as opposed to the allegation of rape.
Additionally, the spokesperson insinuated that McGowan had sought financial gain from Weinstein and continued to collaborate with him after the incident.
McGowan narrates how Weinstein allegedly coerced her into a room with a jacuzzi and undressed her, leaving her in a state of shock.
She recounts how he then engaged in s**ual activity while she sat motionless on the jacuzzi’s edge, culminating in a distressing encounter where she pretended to reach climax to halt his advances.
Describing the aftermath, McGowan mentions confiding in individuals who advised her to view the incident as a career opportunity rather than a violation.
Supposedly dissuaded by a legal professional from pursuing legal action due to doubts about her credibility, McGowan asserts that Weinstein used his influence to tarnish her reputation within the industry.
Reflecting on the pervasive knowledge of her ordeal within Hollywood circles, McGowan laments feeling exposed and ostracized following the traumatic event.
She paints a picture of a system that protects abusers while punishing the survivors, encapsulating the toxic environment she found herself in after the assault.
A representative for Weinstein reiterated his denial of any non-consensual s**ual encounters and absolved him of retaliatory actions against women who rejected his advances.
The statement underscored Weinstein’s stance that the financial settlement reached with McGowan in 1997 was a strategic move to preempt legal disputes and maintain peace, rather than an admission of guilt.
Having emerged as a prominent figure in the wave of allegations against Weinstein that surfaced in October, McGowan stands as a symbol of resistance against the pervasive culture of abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
Her willingness to confront the power dynamics at play and speak out against her abuser serves as a catalyst for change in an industry long plagued by such misconduct.
As BRAVE prepares for release on January 31, McGowan’s candid narrative promises to shed further light on the dark realities that many have endured behind the glamour of Hollywood, challenging the status quo and demanding accountability for those who have perpetuated harm.
