Dear Readers,
In the latest Sincerely Doubt That… opinion piece, let’s look into the #MeToo movement and its potential future amid the much-discussed Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (Lively vs Baldoni) drama. If you haven’t been following the news, seen the numerous podcasts, Youtube channels, or TikTok videos, this timeline will assist you in catching up.
Recently, I came across a few opinion pieces and news articles suggesting that this drama could be the end of the #MeToo Movement. Some even hint that failing to side with women could contribute to its downfall. Could this be true? A New Yorker article even suggested that Lively "is a prime target for roving white-girl-hate.", which feels like an exaggerating claim. First, the idea of a 'perfect white woman to hate' doesn't really apply to her- if anything, that title would better fit someone like Nazi supporter Coco Chanel. Secondly, while I am not minimising the extent of online hate, suggesting that unsupportive comments and the hate against Lively are specifically racially motivated, simply doesn't resonate.
A Brief History of #MeToo
Tarana Burke, an American women's rights advocate from New York, introduced the phrase in 2006. Her goal was to support survivors of sexual violence by assuring them they were not alone and that others had experienced similar struggles. The movement gained widespread attention in 2017 when The New York Times published an exposé accusing Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Not knowing about its origin, Alyssa Milano tweeted "If you've been sexually harassed or assaulted write 'me too' as a reply to this tweet.” popularizing the hashtag.
Since then, #MeToo has evolved into a global movement, generating spin-off hashtags in multiple languages. Its influence has raised awareness, fostered solidarity, and led to policy changes and legal reforms aimed at addressing and preventing sexual harassment. However, much work remains. Some argue that the movement mainly exposed misconduct in high-profile industries, such as entertainment and media, leaving many violations undisclosed and many victims voiceless.
The Need for #MeToo in Broader Spheres
While #MeToo had a significant impact in Hollywood, its relevance extends far beyond the entertainment industry. Many sectors still lack the structural changes needed to protect individuals from harassment and abuse. The movement’s global expansion has revealed systemic issues across different countries, each with its own unique challenges.
So what happened across the globe?
In China, #MeToo encountered severe government censorship, yet it still gained momentum. Zhou Xiaoxuan (Xianzi) became a prominent figure after accusing a well-known TV host of sexual assault. Despite legal setbacks and suppression, her case and others—such as the dismissal of a university professor for sexual misconduct—helped fuel discussions about workplace harassment and gender inequality in China.
In Mexico, #MeTooMéxico exposed widespread harassment in academia, journalism, and the arts. The movement gained traction on social media, leading to mass protests and even resignations in some cases. Feminist activists continue to demand stronger legal protections and better enforcement against gender-based violence.
In Japan, #MeToo faced cultural resistance, as discussing sexual misconduct remains a taboo. However, journalist Shiori Ito’s landmark lawsuit against Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a powerful media figure, marked a turning point. Her legal victory—a rarity in Japan—encouraged other women to speak out and sparked debates about sexual consent laws and workplace protections.
In France, the movement took the form of #BalanceTonPorc ("Expose Your Pig"), which targeted harassment in politics, business, and the arts. It led to national debates on consent laws and workplace safety. However, it also sparked backlash from public figures like Catherine Deneuve, who argued that it threatened traditional social interactions. This highlighted France’s ongoing discussion about the balance between combating harassment and preserving certain aspects of its culture.
In Australia, #MeToo played a significant role in exposing misconduct in politics. The case of Brittany Higgins, a former parliamentary staffer who alleged she was assaulted by a senior colleague, triggered a national reckoning on sexism in government. The scandal led to widespread protests and reforms, including Kate Jenkins' landmark report on workplace culture in Parliament.
These examples illustrate the continued relevance of #MeToo in challenging power structures and advocating for change beyond Hollywood.
But even in Hollywood, the movement hasn't concluded, and its relevance is highlighted in the ongoing sexual assault and sex trafficking charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs that are considered part of the movement’s continuing impact.
If I have yet to convince you, consider one of the most heartbreaking realities faced by domestic violence victims when seeking police protection. On January 29, in Budapest, the body of a Japanese woman was found in her home. She had repeatedly sought police protection from her ex-husband's threats, but her pleas went unanswered. The failure of law enforcement to act in time often has tragic consequences—by the time blood is shed, it is already too late.
The discussion around the plight of abused women must remain ongoing, and systemic issues must be addressed. Meaningful change may only be possible through external pressure, driven by activists and civil organizations.
The Lively vs. Baldoni Debate and Public Perception
Looking at the Lively vs. Baldoni controversy, both sides are presenting their narratives in the court of public opinion. But this doesn’t feel like a defining battle of the sexes. Nothing proves this better than Chelsea Handler’s joke at the 30th Critics’ Choice Awards this past Saturday. During her opening monologue Handler expressed her gratitude to actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The comedian remarked that people in Los Angeles and across the country had “been through a lot lately," and emphasized how important it is to have a "distraction" during such challenging times. There were no murmurs of disapproval. —Hollywood laughed.
The Lively vs Baldoni case has given gossip columnists, misogynists, and conservatives an excuse to voice their disdain for women and modern feminism. The wave of online trolling against women is unsettling, but it doesn’t justify fears that the #MeToo movement is collapsing.
Throughout history, women who spoke up faced disbelief and victim-shaming. But strength in numbers has led to fundamental change. It's important to keep that in mind.
I chose not to discuss the details of this controversy because it would trivialise the main point of this blogpost. Plus gossip columnists are thriving, filling up the virtual space with plenty to analyse. If you really want to follow someone, I would suggest checking out the Youtube channel of a Hollywood expert, Norwegian reporter Kjersti Flaa. Flaa’s 2016 rather bizarre interview with Lively went viral in August last year, and The New York Times’ December exposé linked her to a smear campaign against Lively. Flaa encourages her viewers to apply critical thinking and in one of her episodes she got me thinking: if we want to automatically believe in women we are no better than the boys’ club. The same boys’ club that covered up decades of sexual misconduct, sexism and inappropriate behaviour.
The Fight for Systemic Change
Society and women’s rights must continue evolving. We need reforms in legal systems, media accountability, and employment protections. Police must take domestic violence victims seriously before it's too late. Journalists must conduct due diligence before reporting on complex cases of misconduct. Women deserve equal pay and equal opportunities at every level. There is a time and place for all women to stand united—this just doesn’t feel like it.
As Lively and Baldoni work to salvage their reputations, I’d like to believe that neither of them want the #MeToo movement or women’s rights to suffer. Hopefully, both will make significant contributions to various charities—one from a settlement/court-awarded damages, the other from remorse. Only time and the presiding judge will determine who is who in this case.
All in all, Hollywood may have sparked #MeToo, but the movement cannot stop there—it must continue until ‘It Ends With Us.’
Yours sincerely,
BB
Disclaimer:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, please seek help from a trusted support service. Helplines and organizations are available in many countries to provide confidential assistance, guidance, and protection. You can find contact details for resources in your country on the European Commission’s website and the Save and Together Institute’s website.
If you would like to support the work of these organizations through donations or volunteer efforts, please visit their websites to learn how you can contribute.
Sources
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