Kiwi songstress Lorde is known for her outspoken nature. But did she predict the downfall of Harvey Weinstein and other high profile men currently embroiled in the sexual harassment scandals sweeping Hollywood?
Back in January this year she fired off a cryptic tweet.
“These old men in power have a storm coming, the likes of which they cannot comprehend,” she wrote.
Three months later respected Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly was fired after it was revealed he had paid out millions of dollars to five different women in sexual harassment settlements.
And then in October came the biggest scalp of all – Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
Watch: Stars who have spoken out about Harvey Weinstein. Story continues below.
What started as a trickle of complaints quickly gathered momentum. To date more than 75 women have accused him of sexual misconduct, from Hollywood heavyweights such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan (who accused him of rape) to lesser known actresses and models including Kiwi Zoe Brock.
Weinstein was fired from his own production company, the Weinstein Company. His wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman left him and police departments in New York and London launched investigations into his alleged criminal conduct.
Since the Weinstein accusations came to light, more than 42 high profile men in the entertainment or media industry have been forced to resign or have been fired, according to the New York Times.
Lorde and Harvey Weinstein at Weinstein’s Golden Globes after party in 2015.
Kevin Spacey is arguably the most famous person to become caught up in the scandal. Actor Anthony Rapp came forward in October and accused Spacey of making sexual advances towards him in 1986. Rapp was 14-years-old at the time. Spacey was 26.
More complaints have since rolled in, including from crew members on his hit Netflix show House of Cards. There were claims he routinely displayed “predatory” behaviour and made it a “toxic” environment to work in. Netflix fired him from the show and director Ridley Scott replaced him in the film All the Money in the World just weeks out from its release.
The latest high profile casualty is US talk show host Matt Lauer who was fired from the Today show at the end of last month for allegations of sexual misconduct.
The last word goes to Lorde, real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor who, in retweeting her earlier post, wrote “This came true I guess.”
