Almost 200 British female entertainment stars called for an international movement to end sexual misconduct across society in a letter published ahead of Sunday’s British Academy Film Awards. Kate Winslet and Emma Watson were among those saying that 2018 should be “the year that time was up on sexual harassment and abuse.” Announcing a fund to support women and men battling workplace abuse — modeled on the “Time’s Up” movement in the U.S. — the stars said that “with our collective power, we can galvanize others.” Watson, the former Harry Potter star, has given the fund $1.4 million, according to its page on the Go Fund Me website. Keira Knightley and Tom Hiddleston are each listed as having given $14,000. Allegations of sexual harassment and abuse have been leveled at scores of entertainment figures since women began coming forward to accuse Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein last year. The issue has crossed the Atlantic, where the Old Vic Theatre has been rocked by allegations against former artistic director Kevin Spacey. London police are also investigating nine claims of sexual assault involving Weinstein. In a letter published in The Observer newspaper, 190 female stars called for an end to impunity for abusers and said that “this movement is bigger than just a change in our industry alone.” The letter continued, “We believe we need to use our power as communicators and connectors to shift the way society sees and treats us. … We need to examine the kind of womanhood our industry promotes and sells to the world.”
Solange Knowles is getting another honor — this one from the Harvard Foundation. The singer, songwriter and artist has been named the foundation’s artist of the year and is set to accept the accolade on March 3. The Harvard Foundation is dedicated to exploring inter-cultural and race relations, and it’s certainly been a major theme in Knowles’ work. Her Grammy-winning 2016 album, A Seat at the Table, touched on racial politics and empowerment issues, featuring hits like “Don’t Touch My Hair.” Knowles also had an exhibit on black womanhood at London’s Tate Modern last year. Knowles was a Glamour Woman of the Year honoree last year. Previous Harvard Foundation artists of the year include Denzel Washington, Matt Damon, Shakira, Viola Davis and Salma Hayek.
