BAFTAs 2018 attendees to endorse Time's Up black dress code following Golden Globes's example

The Time's Up movement looks to combat sexual harassment across industries 

Clarisse Loughrey
Thursday 01 February 2018 06:43 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Time's Up movement is coming to this year's BAFTAs, as attendees have been asked to wear black in solidarity with the movement.

The Time’s Up initiative sees 300 women who work in film, television, and theatre banding together to create a legal defence fund to help survivors of sexual harassment, champion legislature to punish companies who tolerate harassment, and work towards gender parity in Hollywood leadership.

Attendees at the Golden Globes took the decision to wear black in support of the movement, echoed at the Grammys with stars donning white roses. A letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter reportedly being circulated amongst BAFTA members now calls for another blackout on the red carpet.

"With BAFTAs being the first major film awards ceremony in Europe this year, we feel it is important to make a statement to show global solidarity and that the issue is not being forgotten, and to join hands with people across all industries who have experienced inequality and abuse," the letter reads, adding that other "exciting plans" are yet-to-be-announced.

"Here in the UK, more than half of all women and nearly two-thirds of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced sexual harassment at work," it continues. "And we hope that those of us who are privileged enough to have a platform, can use it to raise awareness of the experiences of women beyond our industry, whose experiences are often silenced and marginalised."


Alongside women being encouraged to wear black, the letter also notes that special pins or buttonholes are being planned for men who'd like to show solidarity - in a move similar to the Golden Globes, alongside the suggestion to bring activists as guests. Monica Ramirez, Tarana Burke, Saru Jayaraman, and Marai Larasi were some of the influential activists who attended the Golden Globes.

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in