Jodie Foster on Hollywood sexual assault: ‘We need to hear the other side’

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has given her view on the recent revelations of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood, calling it a ‘complicated issue’ and saying that the ‘other side’ needs to be heard.

In an interview with CBS This Morning earlier this week, the Oscar winning actress and director discussed the viral online #MeToo movement and the spate of allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against prominent Hollywood stars.

When asked a question about the social justice movement and the resulting fallout, Foster called for “truth and reconciliation” whilst praising the movement and those who have come forward.

Foster said: “It is an amazing moment in time and, you know, in order to do it justice, I think we need a bigger dialogue and a much more complicated dialogue.

“This time is necessary and I’m really looking forward to what happens next, like all social justice movements.”

(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

She then spoke about her belief that changing the norms about sexual assault requires the input of those accused.

Foster said: “I think we’re all looking forward to how we can heal, and we want to hear voices. We want to hear the other side as well, in order to really change things.”

(Photo: CBS This Morning)

Whilst praising the movement’s aims, Foster was critical of the online platforms used and the backlash that can accompany allegations.

“Justice by Twitter is not the right way to go,” she said.


Related: That viral ‘gay silence’ meme comes from a hilariously awkward Jodie Foster interview

Foster, who made headlines when she publically discussed her sexuality in 2013, was giving an interview to promote her directorial debut with the Netflix show Black Mirror, which has featured critically acclaimed episodes featuring LGBT characters.

Yorkie and Kelly in Black Mirror (Netflix)

Yorkie and Kelly in Black Mirror (Netflix)

This week, a site called ‘Rotten Apples‘ was launched, providing a simple tool where people can search for films and TV shows and see whether anyone involved has allegations of sexual assault or misconduct against them.

When a tv show or film is searched for, any cast or senior crew with an allegation of sexual assault against them will be flagged as a ‘rotten apple’

The #MeToo movement has seen allegations against many prominent Hollywood stars, including Kevin Spacey, Bryan Singer and Jeffery Tambor.

The most recent allegations emerged yesterday against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, with Salma Hayek accusing Weinstein of sexual misconduct during her 2003 film ‘Frida.’

Watch Foster’s full interview here: