Matt Smith says sexual harassment conversation 'shouldn't stop at Hollywood'
'What happens to the cleaner or the lady who works in a clothes shop?'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Matt Smith has stated the sexual harassment conversation needs to extend beyond Hollywood, to those outside of the public eye.
Speaking to the Telegraph Magazine, he said: “The conversation shouldn’t stop at this industry just because these are 'celebrities' who we know about who are involved. It has to be broader. People in other industries have to have a platform to be heard as well. What happens to the cleaner or the lady who works in a clothes shop?"
His words echo statements previously made by Kristen Stewart, who stated that even within Hollywood it was important to support victims at all levels of the industry, including the many who work behind the camera.
"We can all be proud of that notion and perpetuate it by saying, 'We've got you — affirmatively.' I can't tell you how many times I’ve saved makeup artists — because it trickled down, too — and camera assistants from DPs who are like, 'woo woo,'" Stewart said in a speech at Elle's Women in Hollywood event.
"It happens on lesser states as well. And when I say 'saved,' I mean momentarily been like, 'Don't, f*cker!' And they are embarrassed for one second, but it just keeps going every single day. So I'd say let's be aware of this on every level. Those girls are as duct-taped as one could possibly be because they are in fear of getting their next job, as every is actress, too, same deal."
Smith, who plays Prince Philip in The Crown, with season 2 set to debut on Netflix 8 December, also shared that he's had his own experiences with sexual harassment. "That’s not to say I haven’t been objectified before by men, because I have, just like women are objectified," he said. "It’s not exclusive to them. This happens to men, too."
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments