Big Bang star Mayim Bialik has apologised on Twitter for what has been described as a ‘victim blaming’ opinion article in the wake of the allegations of sexual abuse against Harvey Weinstein.
The actress wrote in the New York Times last week that she was “shocked and disgusted by the scope of his alleged predation, [but] the fact that he may have abused his position of power does not surprise me in the least.”
However there has been a backlash against Bialik online, with many readers seeing it as self-congratulatory, thanks to comments such as: “As a proud feminist with little desire to diet, get plastic surgery or hire a personal trainer, I have almost no personal experience with men asking me to meetings in their hotel rooms”.
She issued an apology on Wednesday stating: “Let me say clearly and explicitly that I am very sorry. What you wear…does not provide any protection from assault, nor…make you responsible for being assaulted.”
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 18, 2017
In the original article, which appeared in the New York Times on Friday, Bialik described herself as an unattractive teenager, always comparing herself to the prettier actresses she worked alongside, such as Christina Applegate. Bialik said that as a result of both her appearance and her upbringing she “always made conservative choices as a young actress” such as dressing “modestly” and refraining from flirting with men.
She went on to say: “And if — like me — you’re not a perfect 10, know that there are people out there who will find you stunning, irresistible and worthy of attention, respect and love. The best part is you don’t have to go to a hotel room or a casting couch to find them.”
