Actress Amber Thompson has penned a poignant op-ed for a prominent publication, sharing her unsettling experiences with sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and the silence that often ensues.
In her essay, Thompson recalls a troubling incident from her early career when she was just 21 years old. While working on a popular TV show, a crew member began showing up at her apartment uninvited, invading her personal space by entering her trailer when she wasn’t present. Initially, he appeared to be “sweet and kind,” and although she found herself flirting with him, she remained committed to her relationship and set clear boundaries. However, Thompson felt increasingly uncomfortable and unsafe as his behavior escalated.
When she confided in the show’s producer about the unwanted attention, she was met with indifference. “Well, there are two sides to every story,” he told her, effectively silencing her concerns. This pattern of dismissal is all too common for women facing harassment, as Thompson highlights in her essay.
She critiques the societal narrative that often puts women on trial when they come forward with their experiences. “Women do not get to have a side. They get to have an interrogation,” she asserts. Thompson emphasizes that women are forced to navigate an exhausting landscape of risk assessment, whether it’s considering what to wear or deciding whether to speak up against powerful men.
The catalyst for her powerful essay was a heated Twitter exchange regarding her friend’s upcoming film, which features a relationship between a 24-year-old and a 17-year-old. During this discussion, actor Jake Woods chimed in, critiquing the film despite his own controversial history of dating much younger women. This prompted Thompson to reflect on a disconcerting encounter she had with Woods when she was just 16.
At that time, Woods had approached her in a diner, suggesting that they take a trip to Las Vegas together. “It’s such a great place, have you ever been?” he asked, attempting to mask his predatory intentions with an innocent tone. Thompson recalled feeling compelled to share her age, hoping it would prompt him to retract his invitation—only for him to dismiss her concerns and insist they would have “so much fun.”
In response to Woods’ denial of her claims on social media, Thompson provided a screenshot of a text message from that night to validate her story. She pointed out that disbelief extends beyond men; it often includes women doubting their own experiences. “Disbelief is not just about men disbelieving us. It is about our own disbelief in ourselves,” she wrote.
Thompson concluded her essay with a powerful message about unity among women. She stated, “The women I know, myself included, are done, though, playing the credentials game. We are learning that the more we open our mouths, the more we become a choir. And the more we are a choir, the more the tune is forced to change.”
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In summary, Amber Thompson’s essay serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges women endure in the face of harassment and the necessity of speaking out against it. Her bravery and commitment to sharing her story contribute to a growing chorus of voices advocating for change within the industry.