The staggering number of accusations of sexual abuse against Harvey Weinstein has presented the entertainment industry with a massive shock. While it is disheartening to learn of the sheer number of people who have been abused, this scandal will hopefully shed more light on institutionalized sources of abuse. As more and more people come forward to share their stories, it is also hoped that others who have suffered abuse will feel comfortable to come forward as well.
It is these types of scandals which remind us of the importance of fair, unbiased, and courageous journalists. The journalist spearheading the Weinstein allegations is Ronan Farrow, a decorated individual in many fields. For those wondering who Farrow is, here are five of the most interesting facts about him:
5. He had a decorated career in politics
Farrow never ran for office, but he still played an important role in some of the country’s most powerful administrations. He served as a Special Advisor on humanitarian issues for the Obama administration in the late 2000s. He would go on to help the government communicate effectively with Afghan and Pakistani civilians and organizations. In 2011, he was hired as Hillary Clinton’s Special Adviser for Global Youth Issues.
4. He graduated college at 15
With such a sterling career in the political realm, it is obvious that Farrow has a sharp mind. However, few people realize just how intelligent he really is. Farrow actually graduated from Bard College when he was only 15 years of age. He would go on to study at Yale Law School, from which he graduated in 2009. He also briefly studied at Oxford, although he decided to stop his education in order to pursue his career.
3. He is an accomplished writer
Farrow is likely best known for his work on major NBC shows like the Today Show and Morning Joe. However, he has also found incredible success as a writer. His work has appeared in some of the largest and most prestigious publications in the world, including The Guardian, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Policy. Further, his book Pandora’s Box: How American Military Aid Creates America’s Enemies was picked up by Penguin Press.
2. His parents are famous and controversial
Farrow is son to Mia Farrow and Woody Allen. The actress and filmmaker are Hollywood heavyweights, which can make it slightly surprising that Ronan decided to pursue politics and activism rather than show business. Interestingly, however, Farrow’s father may not actually be Woody Allen. Several years ago, rumors (fuelled by comments made by Farrow’s mother) that Farrow’s real father was Frank Sinatra attracted a great deal of attention. As of yet, there has been no confirmation through DNA testing.
1. He is constantly helping make the world a better place
Farrow’s work on the Weinstein scandal has undoubtedly changed the landscape of Hollywood, opening the floodgates for abused people to come forward with their stories. Interestingly, this is not the first time Farrow has used his skills to help others. For nearly a decade, he acted as the UNICEF Spokesperson for Youth in Sudan. Here, he helped raise money and advocate for Sudanese women and children.
In today’s age, it seems that the truth is getting harder and harder to find. For this reason, skilled and passionate journalism is more important than ever. Individuals like Ronan Farrow can help the public see the truth, even if this truth is being hidden by powerful individuals. His work on the Weinstein allegations will likely be remembered for many years. It is no surprise that Farrow has made such an impact as a journalist, given his remarkable career in politics and activism.
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