Rising starlets sexually harassed

The occurrence of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry is not surprising. It is known as part of an age-old custom known as the casting couch, where Hollywood powerbrokers demand sexual favours from aspiring actresses in return for roles.Over the past months, several women in the global entertainment industry have come forward to accuse their male counterparts of quid pro quo sexual harassment. This is either demanding sexual favours in exchange for consideration for a job, for them to be part of a line-up for a certain event, or to be given a part in a movie. A survey has found that 94% of women employed in the American film industry have experienced sexual harassment or assault. These ranged from unwelcome sexual comments, jokes or gestures, or being touched in a sexual way. The #MeToo movement created a platform of change for victims of sexual harassment and assault. Tarana Burke, a social activist and community organiser, began using the phrase Me Too in 2006, as part of a campaign to promote empowerment through empathy among women.Following the explosive claims made against Harvey Weinstein, South African celebrities also spoke out about the sexual harassment of local actresses in the entertainment industry. If you thought #MeToo is an issue far from home, think again. Two Namibian entertainers have come forward to speak to tjil about sexual harassment in the industry; how they refused to partake, moved on and today they are where they are without accepting the sexual advances. DJ Cappuccino, who hails from Otjiwarongo, came to Windhoek to seek greener pastures and make a name for herself in the capital with her talent. She recalls having the dream of being a world renowned star since her high school days but because she can't sing, she decided to become a DJ and still be able to make people happy. The commercial DJ said the journey has not been a walk in the park but she was eager to learn from anyone who was willing to offer a helping hand. She later realised that not all the helpers had good intentions. “I was alone and I had just finished grade 12. I didn't know people in Windhoek. “It was really difficult because I just wanted to learn but this guy wants to go on dates rather, invite me to his house to 'work' and text me funny things. Why do we have to work at your house while there is a studio? So I left,” she said. DJ Cappuccino finally met Olive Entertainment manager Julia Boss Lady who later signed her. She has so far, under her new management, signed a deal to be the first female resident DJ for Chopsi's. She will also be the official DJ for artist Himba Boi who is also signed by Olive Entertainment.“I didn't want to do certain things in order to be taught or to kick off my career. I believe this is where I got delayed and the reason I am taking off now is because I decided to invest in a female manager whom I don't need to sexually satisfy to get the work done,” she said. The DJ says it is a common practise in the local entertainment industry for women to be asked for sexual pleasures to kick-start their careers or to get gigs. “The industry is dominated by men so one is always surrounded by them, but you have to be smart otherwise you will be victimised and it's draining. It's about being emotionally intelligent, to be able to say no in such a way that these men will still work with you even though sex is not on the table anymore,” she said.Upcoming artist and film director Hendrina Moses shared a similar experience where she was asked to sleep with a co-director on one of her projects NamGist, a series that will profile local celebrities and give its audience the latest news. “I met him on set for the movie J66 and I thought he was great and I wanted to work with him on my show. We spoke about it and we agreed to be equal partners. He later told me that he didn't want 50% so I gave him more shares because I wanted to get the project running. Eventually he said 'sleep with me and then I will shoot the show',” she said. Moses she refused because she has high regard for her creativity and herself. Today she has a blog where she writes about the happenings of the industry, and the importance of dignity. She says a lot of female entertainers have gone through the same thing or are going through it and can't speak out because of fear of victimisation. “I was told by many that I was stupid for not sleeping with him because my project could have hit off already, as this happened in June. I don't regret my decision and I believe that my time will come and someone will see beyond my body and what I can offer,” she said. Moses finally found a producer, Reggie Films. The two are currently looking for sponsorship to be able to kick it off. June Shimuoshili

Rising starlets sexually harassed

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-27

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Rising starlets sexually harassed

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-27

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