Fourteen year old actor, known for his work in the recent blockbuster "It" and the highly recognized Netflix Original "Stranger Things", Finn Wolfhard recently left the APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) talent agency and the agent, Tyler Grasham, after Grasham was charged with multiple claims of sexually assaulting/inappropriately acting towards young male actors early in their growing careers. Grasham is currently on leave, and is being investigated with the claims.
At the same time, the "Me Too" movement on social media occurred, where responses of individuals who have experienced sexual assault are given light. Together they show the unbelievable but realistic size of people experiencing absences of respect for their space and bodies.
Blaise Godbe Lipman was the first to begin giving response to the 'Me Too" in meaning to the things he experienced due to Grashman. "We had a 'business' lunch to discuss potential [representation]. He ordered me a drink. I said I was 17. he said don't be rude, this is business, this is how things are done. I didn't know better. He got me drunk, etc etc etc..." Receiving a poke from Grashman on Facebook (where the post had been put up), regardless of being unconnected on Facebook, caused Lipman to continue with the details of assault and then to releasing the name of the one responsible. Additional male victims came forward with their claims after Lipman's.
YIKES.
- Posted by Chris Gardner @ 12:18 PM PDT 10/20/2017
- Last Updated @ 5 p.m. of the same day
This, seen among all types of environments (from political to school to entertainment), gives an example of what should happen in response to these (and any) events considered red flags. It's amazing for a teenager to make the correct decision of departing from the agency and a toxic agent, and to recognize immorality at a young age.
Twitter: "This 14-yr old has a bigger moral spine than actors twice his age and 10x as rich."
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/stranger-things-star-finn-wolfhard-fires-agent-sexual-abuse-claim-1049897
I really admire Finn Wolfhard for standing up to his agent when all this was uncovered. Most adults in his situation would most likely have blown it off and not done anything. I hope that more people in Hollywood will take something from this and start standing up for other peoples' rights.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me proud. Seeing that us teenagers have a right mind and we do what we feel is right not just what everyone else wants us to do. In Hollywood it is easy to become blinded by the money and I’m glad he didn’t let that affect his decision.
ReplyDelete