Issa Rae talks about Hollywood protecting 'offenders'. Image Source: Vanity Fair
Issa Rae talks about Hollywood protecting offenders.
In a recent interview with ELLE, Issa Rae got candid about her views on Hollywood’s machinations and why she believes that the industry is regressing instead of progressing.
The actress and creator of "Rap Sh!t" stated that she does not believe the industry has changed since the #MeToo era, which she finds very disappointing. She said that there are just too many enablers for there to be real change, stating that the changes the people need in the industry will only come when the guilty people are held accountable for their actions with legitimate consequences.
Issa Rae shared that Hollywood rarely doles out suitable consequences for its offenders because money will always reign supreme. She had once mentioned that the music business was the worst industry she had ever come across. She added that even by working in the industry they are enabling, it becomes really hard and what she has realized is that she can control her environment and who she works with.
Issa mentioned that she understands now that she can hold people accountable within her world and bubble and she does not have to work for everybody, adding that all money is not good money and all people are not good people. On asked what she would like to do to bring about change in the industry, Issa said that it starts with a backbone, explaining that people should listen to women when they speak.
The writer-producer stated that a clear and excellent illustration of what she is trying to convey is the case of actor Ezra Miller, who is still set to appear in Warner Bros.' upcoming film, "The Flash," amidst being accused of child grooming. Ezra Miller has recently made headlines for a series of disturbing allegations, along with being caught on camera in Iceland shouting at a woman on the outside of a bar and asking her if she desired to fight, and the woman putting her arms up as they approached her and grabbed her by the neck. Ezra Miller appeared, holding onto the woman's neck and shoulder, and pushed her to the ground. No charges were filed.
Another woman, Nadia, described another altercation between her and Ezra Miller that she said had occurred at her home in Berlin, for which she was required to file a report. She stated that since then, she has blocked their number and they have not attempted to contact her. Those reports came on the heels of a slew of legal issues and public accusations against Ezra Miller, which include multiple offenses in Hawaii and allegations that he prepped multiple girls as young as 12. In addition, according to a Rolling Stone exposé published in June, Ezra Miller had been sheltering a woman and her kids on a farm in Vermont in frighteningly unsafe housing conditions, which include loaded guns lying around the house, available to the children.
Earlier in August, it was revealed that the actor was seeking treatment for complex mental health issues and had apologized to everyone who had been alarmed or upset by his previous behavior. In a testament, Ezra stated that they are committed to doing the necessary work to return to a healthy, safe, and productive stage in their lives. According to a studio source, Warner Bros. continues to support Ezra Miller's decision to seek professional assistance, and the actor recently finished reshoots for The Flash, despite rumors that the film would be recast or quashed. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, alluded to the film as one of the great DC films coming out during a recent earnings call.
Issa Rae in her interview mentioned that the acceptance of Ezra Miller’s behavior and actions by Warner Bros. is a microcosm of Hollywood and explained that there is this person who is a repeat offender, who has been behaving atrociously, as opposed to shutting them down, shutting the production of their movie down, there has been an effort to save them and the movie. The actress added that it’s a clear example of the lengths that Hollywood will go to save itself and protect offenders.
Issa Rae lastly added that, so maybe if people in the industry would stop doing that, then maybe women will thrive and won’t have to live in fear of keeping silent because it could ruin their careers. The writer said that it’s just a constant pattern of abuse that will only persist if the industry continues to insist on being this way and refuses to take action or hold people accountable.
On asking Issa Rae about being a role model, she replied that she doesn’t feel any responsibility and just like if someone looks up to her, they should proceed with caution. That’s on them. She added that she was sorry, while also flattered. But good luck to them if they look up to her. The actress explained that she is a very transparent person about her mistakes and very transparent about her journey. But she doesn’t have to watch herself or what she does. If she had a legion of 12-year-old girl fans, she would be more cautious, but she doesn’t think that’s the case.
