Evan Rachel Wood Recounts Harrowing Sexual Assault to DC Lawmakers in Bid for Bill (Video)
”I thought I was the only human who experienced this,“ ”Westworld“ star says
Itay Hod | February 27, 2018 @ 5:18 PM
Last Updated: February 28, 2018 @ 10:17 AM
“Westworld” star Evan Rachel Wood gave an emotional testimony Tuesday on Capitol Hill, telling lawmakers about two separate instances when she was raped and tortured.
“I thought I was the only human who experienced this, and I carried so much guilt and confusion about my response to the abuse,” Wood said. “I accepted my powerlessness, and I felt I deserved it somehow.”
Wood was joined by several other women, who shared their stories about sexual assault during a hearing about the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.
Woods and others are hoping to get the bill, which was passed in 2016, will be implemented on a state level.
“I want Congress to understand that sexual assault and rape have lasting effects on your health and well being,” Wood told CNN. “It’s the trauma that continues after the act itself that is overwhelming. Survivors shouldn’t also be forced to jump through hurdles to hold their perpetrators accountable.”
Wood told lawmakers that after she was assaulted she was diagnosed with PTSD and, at one point, attempted suicide.
“I hope we can find a way to teach our women to not go inward and make everything their fault. … I think we can teach men to express things better and not take things out on other people,” Wood said. “It’s going to take a shift of consciousness.”
In conjunction with the hearing, Wood also collaborated with “Funny or Die” on a release of a new PSA titled “Guess Who: #MeToo Edition.”
The video features Wood along with Kelly Marie Tran and Da’Vine Joy Randolph with narration from Tatiana Maslany.
Golden Globes: 5 Actresses Who Brought Activists to the Show (Photos)
With the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement in full effect on the red carpet, several of Hollywood's most powerful women showed up to the 75th Golden Globes with important activists by their side. Actresses Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, and Laura Dern -- among others -- used their arrival to shine a light on the changing post-Weinstein culture. From #MeToo creator Tarana Burke to activist Monica Ramirez, check out who the stars brought along to the show.
Getty Images
Michelle Williams showed up with #MeToo movement founder and civil rights activist Tarana Burke -- who is also the senior director of the nonprofit Girls for Gender Equity.
@Hattie on Twitter
Laura Dern brought Monica Ramirez (not pictured), Deputy Director for the Labor Counsel for Latin American Advancement. Dern said Ramirez's letter, sent on behalf of 700,000 female farmworkers post-Harvey Weinstein scandal, was "extraordinary," and that she had to bring her along. “It’s time for us to make a difference, and everyone can make a difference and reach out and learn more at TimesUpNow.com," added Dern.
Getty Images
Meryl Streep posed alongside Ai-jen Poo, an American activist and director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. "The Post" star said, "People are aware now of a power imbalance."
Getty Images
Amy Poehler posed with Saru Jayaraman, workplace justice advocate for restaurant workers.
Getty Images
Emma Stone brought tennis legend and gender-equality trailblazer Billie Jean King. King said it was "one of the highlights" of her life to attend on such an important night.
Getty Images
1 of 6
#MeToo creator Tarana Burke walked the carpet with Michelle Williams, tennis legend Billie Jean King arrived with Emma Stone
With the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement in full effect on the red carpet, several of Hollywood's most powerful women showed up to the 75th Golden Globes with important activists by their side. Actresses Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, and Laura Dern -- among others -- used their arrival to shine a light on the changing post-Weinstein culture. From #MeToo creator Tarana Burke to activist Monica Ramirez, check out who the stars brought along to the show.