#AsiaArgento
#MeToo activist Asia Argento accused of sexually assaulting minor, complicating movement narrative.
Origin & Impact
In August 2018, The New York Times reported that Asia Argento—one of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers and #MeToo’s most vocal activists—had paid $380,000 to actor Jimmy Bennett, who claimed Argento assaulted him when he was 17. The hashtag exploded with shock and debates about whether this discredited #MeToo or proved anyone could be an abuser, regardless of their victim status.
Argento denied the sexual encounter (later admitted it happened but claimed Bennett assaulted her), and Anthony Bourdain had helped arrange payment before his death. The hashtag captured uncomfortable conversations about imperfect victims and whether movements survive problematic advocates. Rose McGowan initially defended Argento, then retracted. The incident demonstrated that believing survivors doesn’t mean ignoring when survivors harm others—a nuanced conversation #MeToo had to navigate.
Related Hashtags
#MeToo #BelieveSurvivors #Accountability