Emma Watson has reflected on the progress of Times Up on its first anniversary, and admits she is optimistic for a fairer future regarding gender equality in the movie industry.
The Beauty and the Beast actress joined the likes of Eva Longoria, Natalie Portman and Reese Witherspoon to support the Times Up movement, which launched in January 2018, following the sexual misconduct allegations against movie studio boss Harvey Weinstein.
Fast forward a year later and the topics of gender equality and sexual harassment are a constant discussion and at the forefront of Hollywood.
Wearing a Times Up t-shirt in an Instagram photo, Emma, 28, said of the movement one year on: Thank you to everyone who has been part of TIMES UP over the past year.
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From my sisters in the film industry to the activists and campaigners around the world who have supported us, Ive been so inspired by the way people have reached out to each other, shared experiences and advice, and organised together as part of this movement for change.
The Harry Potter star continued: Gender equality can only become a reality if we harness the transformative power of solidarity across professions and across borders. Theres still a long way to go, but the achievements so far make me optimistic for a fairer future. 2018 was just the beginning.
Shortly after the launch of Times Up, it was reported that Emma had donated over £1 million to the anti-harassment campaign.
In the past year, Weinstein has received five felony charges for sex crimes, including two counts of predatory sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual act in the first degree and one count each of first-degree rape and third-degree rape.
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Former House of Cards actor, Kevin Spacey, has also faced accusations of indecent behaviour. The disgraced Oscar-winning actor is expected to be officially charged with indecent assault and battery on 7 January, regarding an incident at a Massachusetts bar in 2016 where he allegedly groped a young man.
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Money raised by Times Up seeks to help fund women in the US who are targeted unfairly in the workplace. According to the BBC, the foundation has raised a staggering $22 million (£17 million) in donations.
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