Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mrs. Overall

(6,839 posts)
Thu Jan 11, 2018, 11:50 AM Jan 2018

Actor James Franco Accused by 5 Women of Inappropriate or Sexually Exploitative Behavior

Source: LA Times

It should have been a pure moment of triumph for James Franco. He collected one of Hollywood’s top prizes at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, validating an untraditional career in which he’s been a bankable leading man, Ivy League academic and eccentric auteur.

But as he stood on the ballroom stage, some were paying more attention to the Time’s Up pin on his lapel than the gold statue he picked up for his turn in “The Disaster Artist.”

It “was like a slap in my face,” said Sarah Tither-Kaplan, a former acting student at the film school Franco founded who went on to appear in several of his productions.

Tither-Kaplan is one of five women who, in interviews with The Times, accused Franco, 39, of behavior they found to be inappropriate or sexually exploitative. Four were his students, and another said he was her mentor.

In some cases, they said they believed Franco could offer them career advancement, and acquiesced to his wishes even when they were uncomfortable. “I feel there was an abuse of power, and there was a culture of exploiting non-celebrity women, and a culture of women being replaceable,” said Tither-Kaplan, who was one of many women who took to Twitter on Sunday night to vent anger over Franco’s win.

She told The Times that in a nude orgy scene she filmed with Franco and several women three years ago, he removed protective plastic guards covering other actresses’ vaginas while simulating oral sex on them.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-james-franco-allegations-20180111-htmlstory.html

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Actor James Franco Accused by 5 Women of Inappropriate or Sexually Exploitative Behavior (Original Post) Mrs. Overall Jan 2018 OP
Ok I am sorry but the plastic device part made me chuckle Egnever Jan 2018 #1
once upon a time... Javaman Jan 2018 #2
I think that's a union thing. Props must be moved by a Teamster. Lint Head Jan 2018 #3
They also use "merkins". Wigs for genitalia. Kablooie Jan 2018 #6
He is disgusting..He always acts so strange helpisontheway Jan 2018 #4
I hope these claims are investigated, rainlillie Jan 2018 #5
that's true but five? Demonaut Jan 2018 #7
Nothing wrong with asking for evidence. rainlillie Jan 2018 #8
 

Egnever

(21,506 posts)
1. Ok I am sorry but the plastic device part made me chuckle
Thu Jan 11, 2018, 12:42 PM
Jan 2018

Who knew they put plastic protectors on vaginas during nude scenes.

Who has that job? Or do people put them on themselves?

Sorry for the thread hijack just struck me as completely bizarre.

Javaman

(62,442 posts)
2. once upon a time...
Thu Jan 11, 2018, 12:58 PM
Jan 2018

in my film career, I had the very unfortunate opportunity to work on low budget bikini (fill in the blank location) films.

they sucked, and were horrible to work on.

But I had to, to get my hours to get into the camera union.

never the less, there were "sex scenes" aka simulated sex.

and yes, they had those covers on, for lack of better description.

usually they were applied by the actor with or without the help of the make up dept.

I still have to take scalding showers from time to time if a memory from that era of my career pops up on my head.

technically not porn, but along the lines of late night "silk stockings" type stuff.

and no, I'm not proud of it. never put my name on the credits but did get the call sheets for the union.

the fires we must walk through.

helpisontheway

(5,004 posts)
4. He is disgusting..He always acts so strange
Thu Jan 11, 2018, 04:00 PM
Jan 2018

At first I thought it was just the character that he played on GH. However, I watched an interview with him and he is just weird. He acts like he is high or something. Or perhaps he is damaged from past drug use. I would not be surprised at all if he did those things.

rainlillie

(1,095 posts)
5. I hope these claims are investigated,
Thu Jan 11, 2018, 05:18 PM
Jan 2018

At this point anyone can say anything. Innocent men and women are going to be accused and have their lives destroyed without evidence.

rainlillie

(1,095 posts)
8. Nothing wrong with asking for evidence.
Fri Jan 12, 2018, 04:01 AM
Jan 2018

Anyone with a mouth can lie. I know two men who were falsely accused and almost lost everything.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Actor James Franco Accuse...