Veteran actor Patrick Stewart has termed the allegations of sexual harassment against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein as "shocking" and commended the women who came forward their stories.
Numerous women came forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment and misconduct in the wake of exposes from The New York Times and The New Yorker.
"It has been a shocking and yet remarkable experience. I applaud the courage of these women and men who have come forward with stories of abuse and harassment," Stewart told Variety.
The 77-year-old actor said "victimising, controlling and stigmatising" young women has been the norm of Hollywood for decades.
"How has this gone on for so long? I remember I was just 17 and in my first year of drama school and I already knew what the term 'casting couch' meant. Now how did I know that? Victimising and controlling and stigmatising young actresses and actors has been standard for decades.
"I've never been involved in anything as a victim or as an antagonist, but one was aware that bad things were generally happening from time to time. Yet there was an atmosphere of insecurity and fear and an unwillingness by people to deal with it properly," he said.
The allegations against Weinstein led to floodgates being opened with more individuals alleging similar behaviour from Hollywood personalities like former Amazon Studios head Roy Price, Kevin Spacey and directors Brett Ratner and James Toback.
"Now thanks to the courage of women and men who are coming forward almost daily, we can change things," said Stewart.
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