Salma Hayek has faced resistance while trying to bring her passion project about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo to life. The actress’s determination to play the role was evident in many ways, but mainly in her determination to perform unimaginable feats to keep the project afloat. Around the same time, as Hayek’s 2017 New York Times article would later reveal, she faced ongoing bullying and sexual harassment from convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein while filming the film. Frida (2002).
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Hayek was not the only one to suffer from the disgraced movie mogul’s inexcusable behavior. Director of the 2002 project, Julie Taymor once faced Weinstein’s unwarranted Machiavellian rage during a test screening of the biographical drama. Details of the incident were described in an essay by Salma Hayek in the NY Times and in a book by Peter Biskind. Down and dirty pictures.
Salma Hayek was shamefully approached by Harvey Weinstein
In an article for The New York Times, the Mexican actress detailed her ambitions to make a difference. Frida (2002) and in the process had to clash with former film producer Harvey Weinstein. However, it wasn’t that simple. What Salma Hayek had to face, in her own words, ranged from bullying to unwanted sexual advances and even a threat to her life when she rejected his strange demands. desperate The alum had to repeatedly refuse and say no to the following nefarious requests from the Hollywood mogul:
“No, for me to shower with him. No, letting him watch me shower. No, I’ll let him massage me. Not if his naked friend gives me a massage. No, to let him perform oral sex on me. No, for me to undress with another woman. No, no, no, no, no… And with every refusal, Harvey developed a Machiavellian rage.”
The most disgusting detail in Hayek’s essay comes when a former producer threatened to shut down her passion project and forced the actress to do an ass scene with another woman, demanding “full frontal nudity” as an alternative to allow the film’s production to continue.
Eternals the alums reluctantly agreed, realizing that the weight of all efforts to do Frida (2002) Reality fell solely on her shoulders. “I convinced so many talented people to take part. How could I let their great work go to waste? stated the actress.
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Hayek opened up about her plight, which led her to the most devastating scenarios, after she saw other women speak out about their experiences with Weinstein. She commented the following:
“When so many women came forward to describe what Harvey did to them, I had to weigh my cowardice and humbly admit that my story, as important as it was to me, was nothing more than a drop in an ocean of sadness and confusion. »
In her report, Hayek also mentioned the difficulties that director Julie Taymor had to go through. Weinstein’s public outburst during a test screening of the film in 2002 sparked unwarranted outrage from Taymor.
Frida (2002) Director faced the uncontrollable rage of Harvey Weinstein
Julie Taymor directed the film, which grossed $56.3 million. Despite her best efforts, the director was unable to avoid Weinstein’s outrageous outburst. An incident detailed in Peter Biskind’s book. Down and dirty pictures (via New York Magazine) looked something like this: March 4, 2002 FridaAt a test screening at New York’s Lincoln Square Theater, Harvey Weinstein asked Julie Taymor what she thought of the audience’s reaction. Her answer was as simple as “They liked the film. The film was a success.”
This reportedly provoked the former film producer, who shouted at the director and made insults and threats. Below is Weinstein’s reaction:
“You are the most arrogant person I have ever met! Go sell this damn movie yourself!”
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That was not all. According to Salma Hayek’s article, the following also happened:
“In the theater lobby after the show, he shouted at Julie. He crumpled up one of the scorecards and threw it at her. It bounced off her nose. Her partner, the film’s composer Elliot Goldenthal, intervened and Harvey threatened him with physical force.”
Weinstein allegedly told Goldenthal: “I don’t like the look on your face. Why don’t you protect your wife so I can beat the crap out of you.”
It was obvious that Frida The film crew had to go through many obstacles to make the film a reality. From endless bullying to sexual harassment and even vile, humiliating threats, it has become a nightmare. Previously, another project was in development based on the life of Frida Kahlo, where Jennifer Lopez was to play the main role.
It’s a shame that Harvey Weinstein’s terrible actions ruined the path to an innocent and ambitious dream project.
Source: New York Magazine and The New York Times.