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Hollywood Women Unveil Anti-Harassment Plan for the Working Class

Shonda Rhimes, Emma Stone, and Eva Longoria are among the big names pledging to help working-class women.

A group of Hollywood actresses, writers, and producers have pledged to help working-class women fight sexual harassment with a new initiative unveiled Monday. Among those taking part in the new Time's Up movement, launched in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, are actresses Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, and America Ferrera, as well as producer Shonda Rhimes, Universal Pictures chairwoman Donna Langley, and lawyer Tina Tchen. “If this group of women can’t fight for a model for other women who don’t have as much power and privilege, then who can?” Rhimes was quoted as saying by The New York Times. The movement, run by volunteers and working groups, seeks to not only root out sexual misconduct but also help protect women from a potential backlash in reporting it. A legal defense fund launched by the group and backed by $13 million in donations aims to help women working as janitors, nurses, and those employed at farms, factories, restaurants and bars. Time’s Up working groups are also pushing for legislation that would penalize companies that tolerate sexual harassment and discourage nondisclosure disagreements.