On one hand you might want to take a neutral stance just to avoid upsetting the wrong folks and getting in over your head in an argument you can’t hope to win. But on the other you might want to stand up and be heard just to voice your opinion. But in this case when it comes to sexual harassment claims supposedly made against Michael Weatherly by costar Eliza Dushku you might want to sit this one out since there are a few things that can be said on either side that make it less than certain of where to stand. While there’s no dispute that Weatherly did in fact say a few things that Dushku didn’t care for when she was in earshot, the other truth is that he did claim that they were jokes. This unfortunately, in this current era, is something that we don’t get to just dismiss and move on from. While he might have meant them as jokes Eliza didn’t think they were particularly funny and decided and confronted him about this. She was subsequently written off the show and still paid her $9.5 million that would have been what she would have earned had she stayed on.
So on one hand you have the fact that she did confront the man that she had problem with and called him for what he was saying, though without any other reference, meaning it’s only her word and the evidence that was presented, which backs her up, there’s still the idea of whether Weatherly was in fact joking and didn’t mean anything. Many would likely give an incredulous look to anyone that tried to defend Weatherly since in this day and age simply saying the wrong thing about a woman at times seems grounds for being sued or being called a misogynist. Joking about certain topics any longer is simply taboo and while it’s still not outlawed it’s becoming more likely get people in trouble. There is a dangerous precedent being set by this even if the things being said aren’t particularly nice or necessary. But in Dushku’s case she was paid and then asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement that forced her to remain silent about the matter. This could be seen as inherently negative if one thinks that it’s because the producers don’t want the show, Bull, to suffer in the ratings if she decided to have her say, or it could be positive, hard to believe, since it would keep the producers and Dushku from entering into a verbal back and forth that wouldn’t see any clear winner.
At this point Dushku has moved back to Boston where she attempting to get her life back on track and find her center as she continues her education. Her boast that she could have stayed in LA but need to find time to center herself so that she could help others is somewhat hollow to some since in the past several years she’s still been around but her influence in Hollywood has been lessening. She’s had a good number of prominent roles but at the risk of saying anything truly negative she hasn’t really grown as an actress and in many ways has seemed to be headed towards TV for a good part of her career. For a while it seemed that she just dropped off the map when she was younger since just last year she made it known that a stunt coordinator on the set of True Lies, in which she starred with Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, had molested her. The stunt coordinator denied this as you might expect and James Cameron has gone on record by stating that he would have shown no mercy to the coordinator had he found out. Unfortunately this leaves yet another story that should have and could have been told and used as a means of helping women in show business to stand up and let their voice be heard. There are many reasons to be frustrated in this world at this point, but stating that it’s frustrating that more women didn’t speak up at the time of their abuse is a good way to start an argument that won’t end. Dushku turned to drinking and drugs after being molested and was messed up for a good number of years, though she did finally get help and straightened herself out.
So on the whole this issue is one that we’ve seen a lot of throughout the past few years and in truth it’s become a bit of an issue that we deal with on a regular basis now. Michael was definitely not thinking when he decided to joke around, but it also seems as though the whole landscape of show business has changed to the point that telling a joke, or even speaking in a certain way, has become grounds for legal action.
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This article is very poorly written and difficult to read. Barring a writer who is very inexperienced or a non-native English speaker, there is no excuse for the sentence structure issues, grammar or spelling. While the point the writer was trying to make was very unclear, the final paragraph strongly implies the author feels that Mr. Weatherly simply told a distasteful joke. That is glaringly false and misleading. He used a position of power and privilege to have a female co-worker fired because she attempted to address his harassing comments directly. Ms. Dushku did not immediately resort to legal action. It also states that Ms. Dushku claims of approaching Mr. Weartherly and attempting to work things out as a professional os her word vs hos word. That is also completely false as both parties have stated the conversation not only occured but have also agreed on the topic and main points. It has also been shown, on footage from the studio, that there were multiple comments even after it was brought to Mr. Weatherly’s attention that his comments were not welcomed. Clearly the author feels that Mr. Weatherly’s ‘right’ to make comments about female coworkers bodies and ‘jokes’ of a sexual nature in a professional setting outweigh a women’s rights to earn a living and have a reasonable professional and safe workplace. If your complaint about sexual harrassment centers around having to hear about it versus that it happens, perhaps remedial classes on cause and effect are in order.
Hi Lunar and thanks for logging on. First things first, your words “This article is very poorly written and difficult to read.” are just a tad contradictory since you go on to say, ” It also states that Ms. Dushku(‘s) claims of approaching Mr. Weartherly (Weatherly) and attempting to work things out as a professional os (is) her word vs hos (his) word.”. Just thought you might like to look like less of a hypocrite when you decide to verbally bash someone’s work. That being said, I also did maintain that Ms. Dushku WAS paid the same that she would have expected upon being let go. Now, as to Mr. Weatherly’s conduct, sure it wasn’t needed, it wasn’t appreciated, but like it or not it was still freedom of speech. A poor choice of timing and words of course, but still free speech since it didn’t call for direct harm towards Ms. Dushku. That being said, the article you read does have facts in it that were gleaned and written upon based on research, you know, what you do when you want to get things straight and not make a mistaken assumption. All in all though Ms. Dushku did get paid, Mr. Weatherly does know that he made a mistake, and likely as not he will watch his words in the future. But in terms of sexual harassment needing a voice and needing to be heard about, that’s kind of common sense since otherwise no one is going to know about it. I’ve had plenty of schooling at this point and am still seeking to further my education, how about you? Anyway, thanks for the comment and for taking the time to log on. Take care.
There is a huge difference between posting a comment on a dying cell phone and publishing an article…even on a site such as this ;) I assure you that when I publish an article with my name, I take more than 3 minutes to write it and proofread. And no, his comments do not fall under “Freedom of Speech” The First Amendment of the US Constitution say “Congress shall make no law….” as in the US government will not censor…harassment is not free speech. It is a shame he was not shown the door for his behavior, especially given his track record. It is a shame that people try to somehow paint him as a victim when he has shown he is a bully. Even after having Ms Dushku fired, he still sought her out and continued to make comments about her appearance etc. Also why does it matter to you if he was ‘joking’ or not? If someone tells a racist joke, it is still racist. Even if initially unaware his comments and actions were objectionable, he was given the benefit of the doubt and it was brought to his attention. Instead of righting his behavior or attempting to make amends, he kept it up and then had a coworker fired. That isn’t an “oops”, those are willful acts. Repeatedly trying to frame his behavior as a ‘joke’ is ill informed at best.
Wow! In an effort to be civil, I’ll just gloss right over the quality of the writing and the rambling nature of this article. Based on your article, I’m guessing you are the very type of person women are standing up to and saying “no, it really isn’t okay.” From what you’ve written, I can easily see how you just couldn’t understand why women (or men for that matter) would believe that they do have a right to NOT be harassed in the work place. No, it isn’t a freedom of speech issue. Yes, “Weatherly did in fact say a few things that Dushku didn’t care for,” and Dushku handled the situation admirably by approaching Weatherly as a mature adult. However, instead of responding in kind, as a mature adult, Weatherly immediately had Dushku fired.
The first sentence of your second paragraph is ridiculous! It’s like you’re desperately trying to argue that it’s her word against his while still acknowledging that the actual evidence backs up her version of events. Then you try to point out that Weatherly could really have been joking when making his comments to/about Dushku as though that were even relevant. Regardless of whether or not he was joking, HE HAD HER FIRED IN RETALIATION of her asking that he treat her with more respect in the workplace. Maybe in your little world, that’s a standup, ethical, and legal thing to do, but that’s not reality everywhere.
You make Weatherly out to be some poor guy who “simply [said] the wrong thing” and was then sued, but you’re completely ignoring the reason WHY Dushku took legal action: HE HAD HER FIRED. So you paint Weatherly as the victim, and then you criticize Dushku for not having “grown as an actress.” Then you point to Dushku revealing that she was molested at the age of twelve, and you talk about how frustrating it is “that more women didn’t speak up at the time of their abuse…” Let me just say this again: SHE WAS TWELVE 12! She wasn’t even a teenager! Instead of criticizing her, even indirectly, for not standing up to her abuser when she was 12, maybe recognize that it could have been that very experience that taught her to stand up for herself as an adult. In this recent incident, she did stand up to Weatherly, and she asked to be treated with a modicum of respect only to then be fired. So she stood up for herself again and demanded that she be paid what she had been promised. She isn’t even the one who made this issue public! Now she has slimeballs like you lambasting her because she… I’m sorry, what exactly did SHE do wrong in this situation? Was it asking to be treated with respect in her workplace? Was it asking to be paid what she had been promised before being fired for asking to be treated respectfully in the workplace?
You talk about being a family man in your little blurb, but what would you advise your daughter or wife? “Just suck it up, hon. It’s just a joke”? If that would be your response, then there is no enlightening you; you’re the problem.
** Hoping other comment gets pulled/moderated out. Wanted to keep civil, but my typing got away from me. Trying again without the name calling. **
Wow! In an effort to be civil, I’ll just gloss right over the quality of the writing and the rambling nature of this article. Based on your article, I’m guessing you are the very type of person women are standing up to and saying “no, it really isn’t okay.” From what you’ve written, I can easily see how you just couldn’t understand why women (or men for that matter) would believe that they do have a right to NOT be harassed in the work place. No, it isn’t a freedom of speech issue. Yes, “Weatherly did in fact say a few things that Dushku didn’t care for,” and Dushku handled the situation admirably by approaching Weatherly as a mature adult. However, instead of responding in kind, as a mature adult, Weatherly immediately had Dushku fired.
The first sentence of your second paragraph is ridiculous! It’s like you’re desperately trying to argue that it’s her word against his while still acknowledging that the actual evidence backs up her version of events. Then you try to point out that Weatherly could really have been joking when making his comments to/about Dushku as though that were even relevant. Regardless of whether or not he was joking, HE HAD HER FIRED IN RETALIATION of her asking that he treat her with more respect in the workplace. Maybe in your little world, that’s a standup, ethical, and legal thing to do, but that’s not reality everywhere.
You make Weatherly out to be some poor guy who “simply [said] the wrong thing” and was then sued, but you’re completely ignoring the reason WHY Dushku took legal action: HE HAD HER FIRED. So you paint Weatherly as the victim, and then you criticize Dushku for not having “grown as an actress.” Then you point to Dushku revealing that she was molested at the age of twelve, and you talk about how frustrating it is “that more women didn’t speak up at the time of their abuse…” Let me just say this again: SHE WAS TWELVE 12! She wasn’t even a teenager! Instead of criticizing her, even indirectly, for not standing up to her abuser when she was 12, maybe recognize that it could have been that very experience that taught her to stand up for herself as an adult. In this recent incident, she did stand up to Weatherly, and she asked to be treated with a modicum of respect only to then be fired. So she stood up for herself again and demanded that she be paid what she had been promised. She isn’t even the one who made this issue public! Now she has people like you lambasting her because she… I’m sorry, what exactly did SHE do wrong in this situation? Was it asking to be treated with respect in her workplace? Was it asking to be paid what she had been promised before being fired for asking to be treated respectfully in the workplace?
You talk about being a family man in your little blurb, but what would you advise your daughter or wife? “Just suck it up, hon. It’s just a joke”? If that would be your response, then there is no enlightening you; you’re the problem.
Efani, Lunar, calm yourselves for a moment and realize that this is an opinion article, Ms. Duskhu did get paid for her time, the same amount that was in her contract no less, and that no, I do not condone sexual harassment. As to the ad hominem attacks on my person, this does speak more to your characters, or lack thereof, than my own, and bringing my family into the discussion is not advisable. That being said, I do happen to believe that yes, we are allowed to speak as we want, and yes it will be offensive sometimes, and yes, we need to thicken our skin a bit. Please don’t drag my family into this, as that is very unprofessional and not at all called for, and sorry Efani, but there’s no chance for a ‘redo’ when you already let that metaphorical cat out of the bag. Anyway, thanks for comments and have great day.
HAHAHAHA!! Okay, now you’re just cracking me up! Mine was not an ad hominem attack. Had I instead said “you’re wrong, you slimeball” without actually arguing your points, then it would have been an ad hominem attack.
Oh man, what you wrote is gold, though. “…bringing my family into the discussion is not advisable… yes, we are allowed to speak as we want, and yes it will be offensive sometimes, and yes, we need to thicken our skin a bit. Please don’t drag my family into this as that is very unprofessional and not at all called for…” Oh, goodness! Who here needs to thicken their skin?? In between telling me that people should be able to say what they want, and others should “thicken [their] skin…” you tell me to NOT speak about your family? Hypocrite much?? You’re hilarious! The mere mention of your family, which YOU put out there publicly, sends you into such a tizzy. I simply made a comparison to highlight the different applications of your “opinion” or rather philosophy. You deem that “unprofessional,” and I’m not even at work. Yet, you chalk up Weatherly’s WORKPLACE comments about having a threesome with her, taking her to his “rape van,” and other inappropriate remarks as simply “jokes.” Your kind of hypocrisy is impressive.
Unfortunately, I can’t commit any more time to this. But never fear, I will have a wonderful day! You’ve already given me a good laugh! Thank you!
Take care.
I agree with whitepanda77 we heard about her past, but did he have any not that we know of plus he had past and present coworkers defend him, while she had no past or present coworkers defending her and known people like he had.
Well I’m certainly glad I brightened your day Efani. Always glad to help others understand what freedom of speech is really about, and you’re right, mention of my family IS ( I am after all a family man as it says) on my site so yes, I suppose that is your freedom as well. Glad to see you’re over your own ‘tizzy’ and in truth I can reciprocate since I got good laugh out of your words earlier. Anyway, have a great day.
Man…these comments are definitely something fierce.
Anyways, as a fellow human being I don’t believe that anyone should be sexually harassed anywhere. Now, as a woman here’s my take on the whole situation. He…was.. joking! Take a darn joke. I don’t understand why some people can’t take the stick out long enough and have to feel insulted over EVERYTHING. Were yhe jokes crass? Yes. Was he wrong for making them? Yes. Fun fact: She went to the higher ups before going to him. Maybe if she would’ve gone to him beforehand he would of apologized and stopped. Other were laughing which makes one think it’s ok. She should’ve been more adult about it. Once he found out, he felt bad and apologized. She kept on making a stink about it. The guy apologized. Let it go!
What’s interesting is that these people who are all offended and are calling him names fail to understand that she’s not the only woman he’s worked with and that those other women DID stand up for him and stand with him. No one is perfect. We ALL make mistakes, but if even Pauley P. chooses to defend him, then he’s not a bad guy. He’s someone who made jokes that he thought were ok & apologized when he realized they weren’t (aka not perfect). Stop the witch hunt now please.
The* sigh…typos…lol
Typos happen, but whitepanda if I may, thank you for your objective approach to this. It’s truly appreciated and thanks for logging on.
So we now know Dushku had a drinking problem, drug problem, is unsuccessful as an actress, and continuing her education (snicker). So basically Dushku is a wack job and Weatherly was just joking. Hardly an objective article.
To be fair Candex she’s not a whackjob since it did happen and it was admitted to and she has been doing her best to move past it. Weatherly was just joking but admitted it was in poor taste and did apologize, and she did get paid no matter what happened and how regrettable it really is. Objectivity is always subject in an opinion article unfortunately, though personally I am a fan of both actors and do hope that both of them move on from this unfortunate incident. Thanks for your comment.
I have read everyone’s comments and I am rather blown away by this. I have Daughter’sand Son’s, both have been taught self defense against sexual assault. I have also taught them to not allow sexual harassment. I am also a veteran of the United States Military, I never took sexual harassment from any male either, and it didn’t hurt my career. I sit here wondering just where the parents are when these kids are doing movies or TV shows? Who in there right mind leaves their kids with someone to allow things like this to happen? Are they not giving them at least the TALK? If you have a child that is in movies and TV then you know your child is open to people with evil intentions! I don’t understand how people would think in the lifestyle of the rich and famous you don’t know of what could happen. I personally don’t believe a word this woman claimed, she got fired and decided to jump on the #meto band wagon. As for the person who said Freedom of Speech was not being used here. Men are now being crucified just for joking around. Freedom of speech is being able to joke around, just because it offended one person doesn’t mean others are offended. There was more than ONE female on recording set. None of them have stated they are offended have they? No! One Miss/Mrs Priss who’s fam was quickly dying got fired and blasted the ONE Male to her advantage. The show producers just paid her to be done with it. If this Male was so bad, many of others would have been on that lawsuit. Sorry my fellow Females, but sometimes a woman will lie, cheat and steal to get their way and it sickens me. As for the males, yes some are trash, not not the 90& that a lot of women are trying to say are.
LadyCairo, if I may say so, you just made my day. Thank you for your service and thank you for your post, I greatly appreciate it.
Your welcome,!
I would also like to point out, not everyone is a English teacher or expert in proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Even those that are have bad days!