Why Asia Argento's #MeToo Story Is Still Valid Following Assault Allegations

By Katie O'malley
Elle
August 21, 2018

https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a22772838/asia-argento-me-too-story-assault-allegations/

Last night, the New York Times reported that actress and #MeToo campaigner Asia Argento recently settled claims that she sexually assaulted actor Jimmy Bennett in 2013, when he was a minor.

Last October, when sexual assault allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein hit international news headlines, Argento came out with her own claims of abuse by the film mogul.

In the weeks that followed, she joined a legion of male and female advocates of the #MeToo movement, which encouraged people to speak about their own experiences of assault and harassment.

Weinstein has 'unequivocally denied' any allegations of non-consensual sex.

The NYT reports Argento was also then accused of a sexual assault, which reportedly took place in 2013. The Italian star - who was the girlfriend of the late TV chef Anthony Bourdain - had starred as Bennett's mother in the 2004 film The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.

Described as a 'mentor and a mother figure' to the actor - who was a minor and aged 17 at the time - it's alleged Argento gave the actor alcohol before the assault took place in a hotel room.

She reportedly agreed to pay the actor £297,000 ($380,000) in a settlement following Bennett's request for damages last November, though she never had him sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Since news of Argento's alleged assault against Bennett came to light, The Cut reported that several Twitter users have suggested the new accusation undermines the #MeToo movement and makes the actress a hypocrite. The accusations brought by Bennett against Argento are terrible and have just as much validity as Argento's allegations involving Weinstein.

It is possible to be both alleged perpetrator and victim.

Instead of Argento's case being used as canon fodder for #MeToo naysayers, it should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to, respecting and taking seriously the stories of sexual assault and harassment from all survivors, no matter how uncomfortable or shocking.