LOS ANGELES: The #MeToo movement has sent dozens of once-powerful Hollywood players into exile, but few have been placed in handcuffs. And it’s increasingly apparent that this lack of criminal charges may remain the norm, Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby being notable exceptions.
A task force launched last November to handle the surge in allegations against entertainment figures has so far charged none.
The lack of prosecutions stems from a clash between the #MeToo ethos, which encourages victims to come forward years after abuse that they’ve kept private, and a legal system that demands fast reporting of crimes and hard evidence.
The task force has considered charges against 22 suspects, including Kevin Spacey and director James Toback, all of whom have denied engaging in any sexual relations that were not consensual.
