In the wake of numerous allegations against a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, a former assistant is bravely sharing her story two decades later. Many have heard about the accusations surrounding Harvey Weinstein, with over eighty women coming forward to report incidents ranging from sexual harassment to assault. Now, a new voice has emerged: that of Rachel Bennett, who worked as Weinstein’s assistant and is finally shedding light on her troubling experiences.
In an op-ed published in a major newspaper, Bennett recounted a particularly harrowing encounter, stating, “He made it clear that he preferred women of Asian descent because they were known for their discretion.” Just hours after making this remark, she faced an unimaginable ordeal.
Bennett’s story aligns with the narratives shared by other survivors, filled with feelings of shame and fear, fearing that exposing his behavior would end their careers. She graduated from Oxford and began her career answering phones and supporting Weinstein with his European projects. Despite warnings about his behavior, she was told to “handle him firmly” to avoid trouble. “He expertly tested the limits of what he could get away with,” Bennett noted, describing his manipulative behavior, which involved dangling career opportunities as incentives while also threatening to ruin professional lives.
She expressed the overwhelming power dynamics she faced — as a woman, a minority, and a less experienced employee. These factors culminated one night when, while reading scripts, he removed her protective layers and assaulted her. “He told me, ‘just one thrust, and it will all be over,’” she recalled.
Somehow, she escaped, but the trauma haunted her for years. “What occurred that night would have a profound impact on my life,” Bennett shared. “I kept this devastating secret, one that led me to contemplate suicide twice, and one that I couldn’t even share with my husband for two decades.”
Currently, investigations are ongoing into claims made by at least six women in various cities, including Los Angeles and New York. Following his arrest in 2018, Weinstein was charged with multiple offenses and is awaiting trial. Over the years, he has settled with numerous accusers, including Bennett, in exchange for their silence.
After nearly 20 years of silence, Bennett felt compelled to share her experiences, emphasizing the importance of her voice as an Asian woman and an assistant within the #MeToo movement. For those interested in learning more about personal stories tied to the theme of empowerment and resilience, check out this blog post on home insemination kit for related insights.
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In summary, Rachel Bennett’s courageous revelation adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability and change in the industry, encouraging others to share their stories and break the silence surrounding such abuses.