Rose McGowan severs all ties with Asia Argento: 'Be the person you wish Harvey could have been'

The actor said the revelations should not be allowed to impact the #MeToo movement

Asia Argento and Rose McGowan taking part in a MeToo march as part of International Women's Day in Rome in 2018 (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

Rose McGowan has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding Asia Argento, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a male actor.

McGowan, a fellow Harvey Weinstein accuser and prominent voice in the #MeToo movement, said that there “absolutely should be no leeway or tolerance for sexual assault” and called on Argento to “be the person you wish Harvey could have been.”

The actor, 44, added that the revelations should not be allowed to impact the current movements against sexual assault and discrimination such as #MeToo and Time’s Up.

“At this current moment it may be easy to focus on the drama of the situation,” a statement from McGowan reads. "But the real focus should be on supporting justice. Supporting honesty. And supporting each other.”

“We cannot let this moment break the momentum of a movement that has freed so many people. We must use it to allow us to become stronger. More compassionate. More aware. And more organised.

“Asia you were my friend. I loved you. You’ve spent and risked a lot to stand with the MeToo movement. I really hope you find your way through this process to rehabilitation and betterment.

“Do the right thing. Be honest. Be fair. Let justice stay its course. Be the person you wish Harvey could have been.”

Argento has called reports alleging she had sexual relations with Jimmy Bennett, who was underage at the time, in 2013 “absolutely false” and that they were both linked “in friendship only”.

The 42-year-old allegedly settled a legal case filed by Bennet last year, paying him $380,000 (£294,000). Argento said the money was paid by her late boyfriend Anthony Bourdain, the TV chef who died earlier this year.

Argento’s representatives have been contacted by The Independent for comment.