Introduction
In October 2017, a bombshell article in The New York Times exposed decades of sexual harassment and abuse by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The story sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, helping to ignite the #MeToo movement and sparking a global conversation about sexual misconduct and abuse of power. But the journey to publish that explosive exposé was a long and challenging one, filled with obstacles, threats, and ethical dilemmas.
"She Said" provides a behind-the-scenes account of how New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey broke the Weinstein story and helped uncover a culture of silence and complicity surrounding sexual abuse in Hollywood. Through meticulous investigative reporting and interviews with numerous sources, the authors pieced together the disturbing pattern of Weinstein's behavior over decades and gave voice to his many victims.
This book offers a gripping insider's look at investigative journalism in action, detailing the painstaking process of verifying information, protecting sources, and withstanding intense pressure from powerful interests trying to kill the story. It also explores the broader cultural impact of the Weinstein revelations and the #MeToo movement that followed, including the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
"She Said" is both a thrilling journalistic procedural and a sobering examination of how sexual harassment and abuse have been normalized and covered up in many industries. It celebrates the courage of the women who came forward to share their stories and the reporters who worked tirelessly to bring the truth to light.
The Investigation Begins
The investigation into Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct began in May 2017 with a tentative email exchange between New York Times investigative reporter Jodi Kantor and actress Rose McGowan. McGowan was known for her outspoken Twitter feed documenting sexism in the entertainment industry. She had recently tweeted about being raped by an unnamed Hollywood producer, and rumors suggested the perpetrator was Harvey Weinstein.
After some initial reluctance, McGowan shared her full story with Kantor off-the-record. According to McGowan, she met Weinstein at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival, where he invited her to his hotel room under the pretense of a business meeting. Once there, he allegedly forced himself on her without consent. McGowan later received a $100,000 settlement from Weinstein in exchange for her silence.
While McGowan's account was shocking, Kantor knew that such explosive allegations would need to be corroborated before publication. Her editor, Rebecca Corbett, suggested digging deeper and enlisting the help of fellow reporter Megan Twohey, who had previously reported on sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Kantor and Twohey joined forces, recognizing the potential to expose not just Weinstein's alleged crimes, but the broader system that protected powerful men who committed sexual abuse. They set out to find other women with similar experiences and gather concrete evidence to support the allegations.
The Challenges of Reporting on Sexual Misconduct
As Kantor and Twohey began their investigation, they quickly encountered numerous obstacles. The sensitive subject matter made many potential sources reluctant to speak openly. Contacting actresses through their publicists or managers often led nowhere, as these gatekeepers were more interested in protecting their clients' reputations or maintaining relationships with Weinstein. Some industry insiders even dismissed Weinstein's behavior as simply "business as usual" in Hollywood.
Despite these challenges, the reporters gradually made progress. They spoke with actresses like Marisa Tomei and Daryl Hannah, who shared insights about the abuses they had witnessed in the industry, even if they hadn't directly experienced misconduct from Weinstein. A breakthrough came when Kantor arranged an interview with actress Ashley Judd.
Judd recounted a disturbing encounter with Weinstein in 1996, when he invited her to his hotel suite for a supposed business meeting. When she arrived, Weinstein answered the door wearing only a bathrobe and made a series of increasingly aggressive and demeaning demands. Judd felt trapped, fearing that any resistance could end her career. She managed to escape by making jokes and slipping out the door.
For Judd, the incident was part of a larger pattern of Weinstein using his power to make unwanted sexual advances on women, with the implicit threat that their careers were at stake. She agreed to help with the investigation, connecting Kantor with other actresses including Salma Hayek, Lena Dunham, and eventually Gwyneth Paltrow.
As Kantor and Twohey spoke with more women, a clear pattern emerged in Weinstein's behavior: invitations to private meetings in hotel suites, inappropriate sexual advances, and then dismissive or retaliatory treatment when rebuffed. However, despite interviewing dozens of women, none felt safe enough to go on the record with their allegations. The reporters realized they needed to find hard evidence to corroborate the stories.
The Role of Non-Disclosure Agreements
As Kantor and Twohey hit roadblocks in getting women to speak on the record, they began to suspect that many of Weinstein's victims had been silenced through strict confidentiality agreements. They learned that companies often settle sexual harassment complaints out of court by paying cash settlements, but these agreements come with stringent conditions. Women are typically required to turn over all evidence and agree never to speak about their complaints again, not even to friends or journalists.
The reporters set out to determine if Miramax, Weinstein's company, had used such agreements to silence victims. They tracked down several former Miramax employees, all young women who had left the company abruptly under mysterious circumstances. While sympathetic to the investigation, these women refused to talk, likely due to confidentiality agreements.
A breakthrough came when Zelda Perkins, a former Weinstein employee, confirmed the reporters' suspicions. Perkins worked for Weinstein in the mid-1990s and, along with her colleague Rowena Chiu, had endured inappropriate advances from the producer. After particularly aggressive encounters at the Venice Film Festival, they hired lawyers and filed complaints. However, Miramax's powerful legal team pressured both women into accepting settlements with very strict confidentiality agreements attached.
Despite the potential consequences, Perkins was tempted to break her agreement and go on the record. However, Kantor had one more promising lead to pursue: an Irish woman named Laura Madden. Madden had her own traumatic encounter with Weinstein in 1992 while working as a production assistant. Crucially, Madden had never settled or signed any agreement, meaning she was free to tell her story without legal repercussions.
Weinstein's Counterattack
As Kantor and Twohey's investigation progressed, Harvey Weinstein became aware of their efforts and mobilized a formidable team to derail and discredit their work. The reporters were advised by their editor to proceed with extreme caution, assuming they were being watched and avoiding any off-the-record conversations with Weinstein.
Weinstein enlisted the help of high-powered attorney David Boies, who had previously managed to quash a similar investigation by The New Yorker in 2002. Boies helped Weinstein hire Black Cube, a private intelligence firm staffed by former Israeli intelligence agents. Black Cube's operatives began surveilling Kantor and Twohey, attempting to uncover exactly what information they had gathered.
In addition to the intelligence operation, Weinstein retained lawyer Lisa Bloom, known for representing women in high-profile sexual harassment cases. Bloom drafted a detailed memo outlining strategies to slow the investigation, discredit Weinstein's accusers, and rehabilitate the producer's image. These tactics included portraying Weinstein as a changed man and emphasizing his contributions to progressive causes.
Despite Weinstein's aggressive countermeasures, some of his business associates were beginning to see him as a liability. Irwin Reiter, a long-time Weinstein Company accountant, was disgusted by the producer's treatment of women and concerned about potential misuse of company funds. Reiter began secretly meeting with Kantor, providing valuable insider information about recent troubles at the company.
Even Weinstein's brother Bob, once a close ally, had grown estranged and attempted to rein in Harvey's behavior. In 2015, Bob Weinstein worked with board member Lance Maerov to implement a new contract for Harvey with penalties for misconduct. Bob also wrote his brother a heartfelt letter, describing the pain Harvey's actions had caused and begging him to change. However, these efforts had little lasting impact on Harvey's behavior.
The Crucial Memo
As Kantor and Twohey's investigation neared its conclusion, they still lacked the concrete evidence needed to publish their findings. However, a crucial piece of evidence emerged from an unexpected source. Irwin Reiter, the Weinstein Company accountant who had been secretly assisting the reporters, managed to access a vital document hidden in Weinstein's personnel file.
The document was a memo written by Lauren O'Connor, a former junior executive at the company. Dated November 3, 2015, the memo detailed Weinstein's pattern of abuse and the system of cover-ups within the organization. O'Connor described how Weinstein used female employees as "honeypots" to lure women to private meetings, only to dismiss the employees and leave the women alone with him. She also outlined how complaints about Weinstein's behavior were routinely ignored or suppressed by human resources and other executives.
This memo was exactly what Kantor and Twohey needed to corroborate the numerous allegations they had gathered. It provided contemporary documentation of Weinstein's misconduct from within his own company, lending credibility to the accounts of his accusers. Reiter's decision to share this confidential document with the reporters was a pivotal moment in the investigation.
Armed with O'Connor's memo, Kantor and Twohey now had a solid foundation for their story. They had credible accounts of sexual misconduct spanning from 1990 to 2015, corroborating evidence from within Weinstein's company, and an on-the-record interview with Laura Madden. While they still hoped to convince more women to go on the record, they now had enough material to move forward with publication.
The Race to Publish
With O'Connor's memo in hand, Kantor and Twohey entered a frenzied period of work to finalize their story. They had just days to conduct final interviews, verify every fact, and prepare for Weinstein's inevitable pushback. The pressure was intense, as they knew their article could have far-reaching consequences for both Weinstein and the women who had shared their stories.
The reporters reached out to all their key sources one last time, hoping to convince more women to go on the record. While many remained hesitant, actress Ashley Judd finally agreed to allow her name to be used, providing a recognizable face to lead the story. Her account of Weinstein's harassment in a hotel room would become the article's opening anecdote.
With their draft nearly complete, Kantor and Twohey had to give Weinstein a chance to respond to the allegations. This was a delicate process, as they needed to reveal enough information for Weinstein to comment meaningfully, without giving him ammunition to attack their sources or derail the story. They also had to carefully consider how long to give Weinstein to respond – too little time, and he could claim unfair treatment; too much time, and he might find ways to suppress the story.
The interview with Weinstein and his legal team was tense and confrontational. The producer was aggressive, demanding information about sources and threatening to take his side of the story to other media outlets. His lawyers, including the formidable Charles Harder, known for suing media organizations, added to the pressure.
After the call, Weinstein was given 48 hours to provide an official response. As the deadline approached, his team employed various delay tactics, including sending a lengthy, threatening letter denying all allegations and attacking the credibility of Weinstein's accusers. The New York Times's legal experts assured Kantor and Twohey that these threats were largely bluster, but the tension remained high.
Publication and Immediate Aftermath
On October 5, 2017, after fending off last-minute legal threats and incorporating a brief, rambling statement from Weinstein, Kantor and Twohey's article was finally published online. The headline was direct and impactful: "Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades."
The response was immediate and seismic. Within hours, the Weinstein Company was thrown into chaos. Emergency board meetings were called, and members began resigning. Weinstein himself attempted damage control, working with lawyer Lisa Bloom on a public relations strategy emphasizing remorse and promises of change. However, it quickly became clear that his position was untenable. His brother Bob bluntly told him, "You are finished, Harvey."
For Kantor and Twohey, the publication of their article opened the floodgates. They were inundated with calls and messages from more women wanting to share their own stories of encounters with Weinstein. Former employees came forward with additional information, and more high-profile actresses, including Rosanna Arquette, Angelina Jolie, and Gwyneth Paltrow, decided to go on the record with their experiences.
The impact of the story extended far beyond Weinstein and Hollywood. It sparked a national and global conversation about sexual harassment and assault, particularly in workplace settings. The hashtag #MeToo, originally created by activist Tarana Burke years earlier, went viral as women across industries and walks of life shared their own experiences of sexual misconduct.
The article also led to real consequences for Weinstein. He was fired from his company, expelled from professional organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and eventually faced criminal charges for some of the alleged assaults. The story marked a turning point in how society addressed issues of sexual harassment and abuse, particularly when perpetrated by powerful individuals.
The Broader Impact: #MeToo and Beyond
The Weinstein exposé catalyzed a broader cultural reckoning around sexual harassment and assault. The #MeToo movement gained unprecedented momentum, with women (and some men) across industries coming forward to share their experiences and call out abusers. High-profile figures in entertainment, politics, business, and other fields faced public accusations and often serious consequences for alleged misconduct.
This wave of revelations and accountability was not without controversy. Some critics argued that the movement had gone too far, potentially conflating different levels of misconduct or rushing to judgment without due process. Others pointed out that the focus on high-profile cases often overshadowed the experiences of more vulnerable women, such as low-wage workers or those in less visible industries.
Kantor and Twohey continued their reporting on these issues, including a story about Kim Lawson, a young McDonald's employee fighting against workplace harassment. While this story didn't generate the same level of attention as the Weinstein exposé, it highlighted the pervasiveness of sexual harassment across all levels of society.
The #MeToo movement also intersected with politics in significant ways. In early August 2018, Kantor received a message about a potential story involving Brett Kavanaugh, then a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. Christine Blasey Ford, a psychology professor, alleged that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her at a party in 1982 when they were both teenagers.
Ford's story presented a complex journalistic challenge. While she had some corroborating evidence, including therapy notes and a passed polygraph test, the alleged incident had occurred decades earlier with few witnesses. Ford herself was hesitant about going public, fearing the intense scrutiny and potential backlash.
The Kavanaugh Hearings
The allegations against Brett Kavanaugh became a focal point of his Supreme Court confirmation process and a test case for how society would handle such accusations in the #MeToo era. Ford initially tried to keep her identity confidential, sharing her story through her congressional representative and in a letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein. However, as word of the allegations spread, Ford found herself at the center of a national controversy.
Facing intense pressure from both supporters urging her to testify and critics attempting to discredit her, Ford ultimately decided to come forward publicly. On September 27, 2018, she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, providing a detailed and emotional account of the alleged assault.
Ford's testimony was widely regarded as credible and powerful. She maintained a calm and professional demeanor while recounting traumatic events, drawing on her background as a research psychologist. Her account resonated with many survivors of sexual assault and sparked discussions about the long-term impact of such experiences.
Kavanaugh, in contrast, responded to the allegations with anger and indignation. His testimony was emotionally charged, as he vehemently denied the accusations and portrayed himself as the victim of a politically motivated smear campaign. This approach was echoed by many of his Republican supporters on the committee, who framed the allegations as an unfair attack on Kavanaugh's character and career.
The Kavanaugh hearings became a lightning rod for broader debates about sexual assault, the credibility afforded to accusers, and the standards of evidence in such cases. They also highlighted the political polarization surrounding these issues, with reactions often splitting along party lines.
Despite the impact of Ford's testimony and the controversy surrounding the allegations, Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme Court. This outcome was deeply disappointing to many supporters of the #MeToo movement, who saw it as a setback in the fight for accountability for sexual misconduct.
However, the very fact that Ford was able to testify and that her allegations were taken seriously enough to become a major part of the confirmation process was seen by some as a sign of progress. It demonstrated how the cultural conversation around sexual assault had shifted, even if institutional change remained challenging.
Reflection and Continuation
In January 2019, Kantor and Twohey organized a unique gathering to reflect on the impact of their reporting and the #MeToo movement. They invited 12 women who had become central figures in the movement to Gwyneth Paltrow's home in the Hamptons for a group interview and discussion.
The attendees included women who had accused Weinstein, like Ashley Judd and Laura Madden, as well as others who had come forward with allegations against other powerful men, such as Rachel Crooks, who had accused Donald Trump of forcibly kissing her. Kim Lawson, the McDonald's worker who had fought against workplace harassment, was also present.
Over the course of two days, the women shared their experiences of coming forward with their stories, the challenges they faced, and the personal and professional changes that followed. Many had undergone significant life changes since speaking out. Judd had taken a teaching position at Harvard and joined the board of Time's Up, an organization promoting workplace protections. Lawson had become involved in worker demonstrations and filed official complaints against her employer. Crooks had run for a seat in the state legislature.
The gathering provided a space for these women to connect, share their perspectives, and offer support to one another. It also allowed for reflection on the broader impact of the #MeToo movement and the work that still needed to be done.
One attendee, Rowena Chiu, had initially chosen not to be included in Kantor and Twohey's reporting on Weinstein. However, listening to the other women's stories during this gathering made her reconsider her decision. The group offered her advice and support as she contemplated going public with her own experience.
Laura Madden, who had been one of the first to go on record about Weinstein, offered a poignant perspective on the ongoing nature of the fight against sexual misconduct. "There isn't ever going to be an end," she said. "The point is that people have to continue always speaking up and not being afraid."
The Ongoing Impact of "She Said" and #MeToo
The publication of "She Said" and the broader #MeToo movement it helped ignite have had a lasting impact on how society addresses sexual harassment and assault. Some key developments and ongoing discussions include:
Increased awareness: There is now greater public understanding of the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the various forms it can take. This has led to more open conversations about consent, power dynamics, and appropriate workplace behavior.
Policy changes: Many companies and organizations have revised their policies on sexual harassment, implementing stricter reporting procedures and consequences for misconduct. Some states have also passed new laws addressing workplace harassment and extending statutes of limitations for sexual assault cases.
Challenges to non-disclosure agreements: The use of NDAs to silence victims of sexual misconduct has come under scrutiny, with some jurisdictions limiting their enforceability in cases of harassment or assault.
Continued debate over due process: There are ongoing discussions about how to balance the need to take accusations seriously with the principles of due process and presumption of innocence.
Intersectionality: The movement has faced criticism for initially focusing primarily on the experiences of wealthy, white women. There are efforts to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and address the unique challenges they face.
Male allyship: There's increased recognition of the role men can play in preventing sexual misconduct and supporting survivors. This includes examining toxic masculinity and promoting healthier models of male behavior.
Long-term impact on survivors: Coming forward with allegations of sexual misconduct can have profound personal and professional consequences. There's growing awareness of the need for ongoing support for those who speak out.
Media responsibility: The Weinstein investigation highlighted the importance of rigorous journalistic standards when reporting on sensitive allegations. There's continued discussion about how media outlets should handle such stories responsibly.
Global reach: While #MeToo began in the United States, it has sparked similar movements and conversations in countries around the world, each adapting to their specific cultural contexts.
Backlash and resistance: As with any significant social movement, #MeToo has faced pushback from those who feel it has gone too far or who seek to maintain existing power structures. Navigating this resistance remains an ongoing challenge.
Conclusion
"She Said" is more than just the story of how two reporters exposed one of Hollywood's most powerful and abusive figures. It's a testament to the power of investigative journalism, the courage of survivors who come forward with their stories, and the potential for societal change when long-hidden truths are brought to light.
The book offers valuable insights into the painstaking process of building a sensitive and potentially explosive news story. Kantor and Twohey's meticulous approach to gathering evidence, protecting sources, and withstanding intense pressure serves as a model for responsible journalism in the digital age.
Moreover, "She Said" illuminates the complex web of power, money, and fear that allowed Weinstein's abuse to continue for decades. It exposes the systems and individuals that were complicit in covering up misconduct, from lawyers drafting restrictive non-disclosure agreements to company executives turning a blind eye to complaints.
The impact of the Weinstein story and the subsequent #MeToo movement has been profound and far-reaching. It has sparked a global conversation about sexual harassment and assault, leading to changes in workplace policies, legal reforms, and cultural attitudes. However, as the book makes clear, this is an ongoing process with much work still to be done.
The stories of the women who came forward, both in the initial article and in the years since, highlight both the personal cost of speaking out and the potential for collective action to drive change. Their bravery in the face of potential retaliation and public scrutiny has paved the way for others to share their experiences and seek justice.
"She Said" also raises important questions about the nature of power and accountability in society. It challenges readers to consider how systems can be changed to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable individuals, and what role each person can play in creating a more equitable and safe environment for all.
Ultimately, "She Said" is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and the potential for journalism to be a force for positive change in society. It stands as a crucial document of a pivotal moment in recent history, offering both a gripping narrative and a call to continued action in the fight against sexual harassment and abuse.