Actress Alyssa Milano has addressed the sexual misconduct allegations against Asia Argento, slamming those who are now using the case to invalidate the #MeToo movement.
Argento, 42, is accused of having sex with former child actor Jimmy Bennett in a California hotel room in 2013 when he was 17 and she aged 37.
Argento was one of the first women to come forward with sexual misconduct claims against Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, in October 2017. Weinstein has denied allegations of non-consensual sex.
Former Charmed star Milano is a vocal activist for #MeToo and argues the allegations against Argento prove sexual assault cases are not black and white.
According to Milano, 45, the serious claims against Argento does not mean she wasnt sexually assaulted herself.
In an essay written for The Wrap, Milano writes: When the story broke that actress Asia Argento, one of Harvey Weinsteins victims, settled with her own sexual assault accuser, I knew that attempts to invalidate the #MeToo movement were imminent.
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Milano says its wrong that people pounced on the allegations about Argento and used them to prove that #MeToo is hypocritical and not part of institutional misogyny.
The TV star argues: The fact is, these two truths can exist at once: A victim of assault can also be an offender. It is sad and infuriating to say the least, but one victims alleged horrid behaviour does not nullify an entire movement.
Milano also preempts those who will accuse her of defending Argentos alleged actions. However, the actress states accountability is at the very heart of the #MeToo movement.
The actress adds: We hold any and every abuser accountable, regardless of their gender, race, socioeconomic status, public visibility or popularity. Sexual violence is wrong, full stop.
Instead, the Insatiable star highlights the importance of keeping the conversation alive, stating: The answer is not to dismiss the voices of survivors and advocates who are doing the work to shift our culture.
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Closing the post, Milano says: Let me be clear: nothing can or will ever invalidate #MeToo, because it is a movement created by and for millions of survivors throughout the world. No one story can discredit or undermine the power of our collective voices or our drive for sustainable change.
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Argento has strongly denied and opposed the sexual assault allegations against her. The New York Times claims Argento settled the notice of intent to sue by Bennett.
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