Winona Ryder recently opened up about the sexual harassment she faced throughout her career, revealing that she had some difficult experiences with unwanted advances in her late 20s and 30s. While she was fortunate not to have it be a constant occurrence, she admitted that she had to negotiate in her mind about what would happen if she spoke up against the inappropriate behavior. She also shared that she got used to brushing off inappropriate attention, but drew the line when someone violated her personal boundaries by touching her, describing it as invasive.
In addition to experiencing sexual harassment, Ryder also discussed the challenges she faced in the dating world when she was younger and successful in Hollywood. She recalled a painful incident at a local bar where a guy she had connected with was overheard talking about how he was going to “score with Winona Ryder,” leaving her crushed and questioning if she would ever be able to meet someone who would know her beyond her celebrity status. This experience made her realize the extent of what she had gone through when she was younger.
During a conversation with her costar Jenna Ortega, Ryder reflected on her past experiences and was shocked by the realization of how messed up it all was. While she did not reveal the identities of the men who harassed her, she shared that the experiences soured her when it came to pursuing more acting jobs. She also mentioned an incident where she was allegedly blacklisted by Harvey Weinstein’s former company, Miramax, after a meeting where she extended her hand to Weinstein, leading to backlash from her agent.
Ryder mentioned that she was unsure of what she could have done to offend Weinstein during their meeting, but she got the sense that he “did not like” her afterward. Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault in New York in 2020 and in California in 2022. However, in April, his New York convictions were overturned, and he will face retrial in the fall. Despite these challenges in her career, Ryder has continued to speak out about her experiences with harassment and has remained resilient in the face of adversity.
Throughout her career, Ryder has faced challenges and setbacks, but she has not let them define her. She has used her platform to speak out against sexual harassment and to advocate for change in the industry. Despite the negative experiences she has faced, she has continued to pursue her passion for acting and has remained a respected figure in Hollywood. Ryder’s bravery in sharing her story serves as a reminder that no one should have to endure harassment or abuse in any form, and that speaking out can lead to positive change and empowerment for others who may be going through similar experiences.
