Meryl Streep and Harvey Weinstein shared a professional relationship that spanned several years, primarily through their collaboration on films produced by Weinstein’s company. Streep starred in notable projects such as The Iron Lady (2011) and August: Osage County (2013), both backed by Weinstein. During her 2012 Oscar acceptance speech for The Iron Lady, Streep famously thanked Weinstein, calling him “God,” a comment that later drew attention amid his downfall.
Their relationship became a focal point of controversy when allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Weinstein emerged in 2017. Streep responded by condemning his actions, stating, “The behavior is inexcusable, but the abuse of power familiar,” and asserting that she had been unaware of his misconduct, saying, “Not everybody knew.” However, her claim was met with skepticism when posters appeared in Los Angeles in December 2017, featuring her image with the words “She Knew,” sparking public debate about her knowledge of Weinstein’s behavior.
The controversy deepened when Weinstein’s legal team cited Streep’s positive statements about him in a 2018 lawsuit defense, arguing that not all women had negative experiences with him. Streep swiftly rebuked this, calling it “pathetic and exploitative” and emphasizing that her own professional experience with Weinstein did not negate the trauma of his victims.
Streep has since been vocal about the need for change in Hollywood. She remarked, “I think those things are being corrected in this moment. And they’re not politically corrected; they’re fixed,” aligning herself with efforts to address sexual harassment and assault in the industry. Her relationship with Weinstein highlights the complex power dynamics that long defined Hollywood, where influential producers could shape careers while concealing abusive behavior. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum following the Weinstein scandal, has brought these issues to the forefront, driving significant change while underscoring the ongoing need for accountability and respect across the film industry.
