She Said

In 2017, journalist Jodi Kantor receives an unexpected tip about actress Rose McGowan's allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein. This tip sets the stage for an investigation into years of silence surrounding sexual harassment in Hollywood.

Rose McGowan opens up about her traumatic experience, recounting how she was assaulted by Weinstein in 1992 when she was just 23. Her testimony highlights the culture of silence that has surrounded such allegations for decades.

Megan Twohey, another reporter at The New York Times, investigates allegations against then-President Donald Trump. She communicates with Rachel Crooks, who claims she was assaulted, and encourages her to share her story publicly.

Megan publishes an article about Rachel Crooks but finds herself threatened when Crooks receives a frightening bag of feces in the mail as backlash. This incident emphasizes the dangers journalists face while tackling powerful figures.

Jodi Kantor presents the McGowan story to her editors, Rebecca Corbett and Matt Purdy. Motivated by her belief in the issue's significance, she secures their approval to proceed with the investigation into Weinstein's activities.

As part of her investigation, Jodi interviews multiple actresses, including Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow, who share disturbing accounts of their experiences with Weinstein. They choose to remain anonymous to avoid potential career repercussions.

Realizing the urgency of their investigation, Jodi reaches out to Megan Twohey for assistance. Together, they navigate a complex web of complaints against Weinstein and Miramax, revealing a troubling pattern of secrecy around settled claims.

Megan runs into obstacles as she attempts to gather more information. A key government investigator refuses to provide details, and former Miramax executive John Schmidt is hesitant to divulge crucial information about Weinstein's settlement history.

Ambra Battilana steps forward with her own accusations against Weinstein. However, law enforcement determines there is insufficient evidence for prosecution, highlighting the difficulties victims face in seeking justice.

Jodi receives a pivotal tip from a Miramax assistant, leading her to interview former aides Rowena Chiu, Zelda Perkins, and Laura Madden. Each woman courageously recounts their experiences, illustrating the toxic environment at Miramax.

As the investigation gains traction, Laura Madden reluctantly agrees to speak to Jodi after facing intimidation attempts from Weinstein's representatives. The fear of repercussions remains a significant barrier for many victims.

Both Jodi and Megan work tirelessly to persuade their sources to publicly share their stories. After much consideration, both Ashley Judd and Laura Madden decide to have their names included in the article, understanding the importance of visibility.

On October 5, 2017, The New York Times publishes the groundbreaking article revealing Weinstein's long history of abuse. The article serves as a catalyst for a broader movement against sexual harassment and misconduct in various workplaces.

Following the publication, 82 women come forward with their own stories against Weinstein. This collective revelation ignites a significant cultural conversation about sexual harassment and leads to increased advocacy for workplace reform.

As a result of the collective efforts of these brave women, Harvey Weinstein is eventually convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexual assault in New York. This case underscores the critical necessity for change in how such allegations are handled.