Earlier this week, you may’ve seen James Franco accept a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards.
However, if you had zoomed in a little closer, you may have noticed what was pinned to The Disaster Artist actor’s jacket lapel: a #TimesUp pin – a token aimed to make a statement against sexual harassment, which worn by many celebrities that same evening.
James Franco and Dave Franco at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards.
It was upon seeing Franco wearing this pin that struck Sarah Tither-Kaplan, a former acting student who attended the school Franco founded.
Tither-Kapler took to Twitter following Franco’s award, writing: “Hey James Franco, nice #timesup pin at the #GoldenGlobes, remember a few weeks ago when you told me the full nudity you had me do in two of your movies for $100/day wasn’t exploitative because I signed a contract to do it? Times up on that!”
Now, according to a new report by the Los Angeles Times, four more women have come forward and accused Franco, 39, of behaviour they felt was of an inappropriate nature or sexually exploitative.
Their claims? That Franco asked women both on set and in class to perform without tops on, and even completely naked. Not only that, but as outlined in the Times’ expose, these women also claim that Franco “would always make everybody think there were possible roles on the table if we were to perform sexual acts or take off our shirts”.
Another woman, Violet Paley, who was an aspiring filmmaker, also alleged that Franco pressured her into performing oral sex on him.
Following Tither-Kaplan’s claims, Franco fronted The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to vehemently deny the claims, stating: “Look, in my life I pride myself on taking responsibility for things that I have done. If I have done something wrong, I will fix it – I have to.”
If you, or someone you know, needs support, contact national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service, 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or visit their website here: www.1800respect.org.au.
