Adding to the list of the many women in Hollywood coming out in the #MeToo movement is Jennifer Lopez, who recently told Harper’s Bazaar her story of sexual misconduct and how she handled it. As sickening as her story is, just like the other #MeToo testimonies, J.Lo didn’t let it stop her from using her voice to stand against the treatment she faced.
When asked whether or not she’s experienced the harassment other women in Hollywood have dealt with, Lopez mentioned a horrific experience with an unnamed director. “I haven’t been abused in the way some women have,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “But have I been told by a director to take off my shirt and show my boobs? Yes, I have. But did I do it? No, I did not.”
She went on the explain how she didn’t tolerate the behavior and honestly, it’s extremely brave. “When I did speak up, I was terrified. I remember my heart beating out of my chest, thinking, ‘What did I do? This man is hiring me!’ It was one of my first movies. But in my mind I knew the behavior wasn’t right. It could have gone either way for me. But I think ultimately the Bronx in me was like, ‘Nah, we’re not having it.’”
How amazing is she?!
The Shades of Blue star, who just recently donated $1 million to the relief efforts in Puerto Rico and helped ex-husband Marc Anthony with a telethon that raised another $35+ million, also made a speech in the country in support of the Time’s Up Movement alongside her boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez. Lopez was in Puerto Rico on January 7, the same day as the Golden Globes, where she wore black to stand in solidarity with others in Hollywood who wore black on the red carpet that evening.
“We are humbled and proud to be a part of this effort,” she said in her speech. “Today is the Golden Globes in Los Angeles and a lot of the women with #TimesUp are standing up for equality, to be treated equally and for sexual harassment. And I stand here today in black, doing the same from far away. And it’s the same thing here in Puerto Rico. We want to be treated equally.”
Yes, girl!
After reading J.Lo’s response to the harassment she dealt with in her acting career, I have so much respect for her bravery and strength. She didn’t let her voice go unheard and with that, I applaud her ability to say, “no, I’m not taking this.” I am so glad Lopez is part of the Time’s Up movement to show women everywhere that behavior of this nature should not be tolerated.