Harassment without Impunity

The artistic director for the New York City Ballet, Peter Martins, 71, resigned yesterday after being accused of sexual harassment and physical and verbal abuse by his dancers. His resignation comes as a result of an investigation by The New York Times but must be framed in the #MeToo movement, which urges women around the world to report the sexual abuse against them. It gained momentum following the accusations against powerful film producer Harvey Weinstein. It is a movement that reveals the seriousness of harassment, not only throughout the film industry but also in other artistic disciplines. It is a reality that has been hidden until now, and is a skein that should be unraveled to the end, not only for the sake of truth, but also the moral reparation of the victims.

Spain has not been disconnected to this dynamic, as evidenced by awareness about the abuses at parties such as Sanfermines.* But it has been the U.S. where the amount and scale of the allegations presented has moved more than 300 illustrious Hollywood women to launch a legal defense fund to help women with fewer resources. The challenge is to promote legislation with a double objective: on the one hand, penalize companies that do not take measures against persistent sexual harassment, and on the other, promote parity in film studios and talent agencies. Strong measures are needed in order to not let any case of sexual abuse go unpunished.

*Editor’s Note: Sanfermines, or the festival of San Fermin, is an annual celebration in Pamplona, Spain. It is most famous for the running of the bulls event.