“Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik apologized after her op-ed in the New York Times about Harvey Weinstein’s decades-long sexual misconduct allegations was viewed as victim blaming.
“Let me say clearly and explicitly that I am very sorry,” the 41-year-old actress wrote in a post shared on Facebook and Instagram Wednesday. (RELATED: Emily Ratajkowski Blasts ‘Big Bang Theory’ Star For Weinstein Op-Ed)
Actress Mayim Bialik, from CBS’s sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” arrives at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 22, 2013. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
“What you wear and how you behave does not provide any protection against assault, nor does the way you dress or act in any way make you responsible for being assaulted; you are never responsible for being assaulted,” she added. “I applaud the bravery of the women who have come forward. I support these women as we seek out and demand accountability from the only ones responsible for assault and rape: the people who perpetrate these heinous crimes.”
“I am motivated and driven to work hard to empower women,” she continued. “I am truly sorry for causing so much pain, and I hope you can all forgive me.”
The actress tweeted Monday that it was sad her words were being twisted and taken out of context after receiving an intense backlash for the op-ed, titled, “Being a Feminist in Harvey Weinstein’s World.” Some people thought she was blaming victims for the way they dressed and acted after numerous sexual harassment and sexual assault accusations against Weinstein had come to light.
“I still make choices everyday as a 41-year-old actress that I think of as self-protecting and wise,” Bialik wrote. “I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with. I dress modestly. I don’t act flirtatiously with men as a policy.”