CNN media reporter Brian Stelter said Monday there are still "many A-listers" who have remained silent after rampant sexual harassment allegations came to light against powerful Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.
The question now, Stelter said, is "who knew what when" as the fallout from decades of alleged misconduct by Weinstein continues. The Hollywood producer has already been fired from The Weinstein Company, but CNN host Poppy Harlow said that only appeared to be because the public had finally discovered Weinstein's actions.
"Who looked the other way? What agents, what executives looked the other way?" Stelter asked.
Stelter, host of CNN's show "Reliable Sources," wondered if there were other "dinosaurs" of Hollywood who also acted in a "disgusting" fashion over the years. Weinstein has been accused of asking actress Ashley Judd to watch him shower in his hotel room and cornering a female television reporter and masturbating in front of her, among other accusations.
Weinstein is an Oscar-winning producer who has steered numerous films to glory at the Academy Awards. Among the stars speaking out are Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, who said she did not know about Weinstein's actions but called them "disgraceful" and praised his accusers.
"You are not hearing the mega, mega, A-list, big stars coming out and screaming about this on Twitter and elsewhere ... Jessica [Chastain] is, good for her, Meryl Streep is, good for her, but where is everyone else?" Harlow asked.
Stelter said he has heard condemnations from such Hollywood players like Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen but "that's about it."
"There are many A-listers in Hollywood, both men and women, who are reluctant to talk about the Weinstein scandal," Stelter said. "Let's see if that changes in the coming days. They may feel there's no upside for them. They may feel that Weinstein still has power in Hollywood. But these are cynical answers. These are not satisfying answers."
Harlow said there are considerations beyond personal upside, calling it a matter of "right and wrong." Stelter said CNN's reporters would continue to pursue the story and ask stars to "speak out, to say something."
"This is a moment for leadership from Hollywood, an entertainment industry that views itself as a cultural leader," Stelter said. "Let's see what they say in the coming days. Not just the women, but the men."