How Anthony Bourdain found a new role as a #MeToo ally
Anthony Bourdain was many things to many people: chef, raconteur, adventurer. And in the final months of his life, the Parts Unknown host — who was found dead of an apparent suicide at age 61 — became known as an outspoken supporter of the #MeToo movement.
That’s sparked by Bourdain’s relationship with Italian actress Asia Argento, whom he reportedly began dating in early 2017. In October of that year, the New Yorker and journalist Ronan Farrow published Argento’s claims that film producer Harvey Weinstein had repeatedly sexually assaulted her. The article was key to triggering the very public fall from grace of Weinstein, who was recently indicted by a grand jury. It also won Farrow, along with Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey of the New York Times, a Pulitzer Prize.
For the 42-year-old Argento, the Weinstein exposé was a double-edged sword. Though she experienced victim-shaming and said that she felt “misrepresented” by Farrow’s reporting, she also took on the role of advocate for the #MeToo movement. In May, she gave a powerful speech at Cannes, where she revealed that Weinstein had raped her at the film festival in 1997.
Do me a favor and watch this video immediately.
You won't regret it. @AsiaArgento will take your breath away.
Video by @hugoclement pic.twitter.com/bThukZ4Oc3
— Yashar Ali (@yashar) May 19, 2018
Boyfriend Bourdain was by her side through it all, using his own platform to cheer on Argento and call out Weinstein and other alleged sexual predators, including food industry peer Mario Batali. His Twitter feed was rife with headlines about Weinstein and #MeToo as well as photos of Argento and Rose McGowan, who has also accused the movie mogul of rape.
It’s Batali. And it’s bad .
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) December 11, 2017
Brava @asiaargento An absolutely fearless off-script nuclear bomb of a speech to a stunned crowd at #Cannes https://t.co/J8KuSWfguR
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 19, 2018
Congratulations @RonanFarrow on your Pulitzer win for the Weinstein pieces. ( that NBC tried to shut down)
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) April 16, 2018
Die screaming. As pariah dogs. And worthless. pic.twitter.com/e14x6MOiiN
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) March 20, 2018
In a world of timidity, compromise and bullshit , @rosemcgowan howls fearlessly at the moon #Brave
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) February 1, 2018
It was an honor to cook for this meeting of the minds @AsiaArgento @rosemcgowan @AnnabellSciorra pic.twitter.com/5UoOl1Xhux
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 25, 2017
Power Brunch: @AnnabellSciorra @AsiaArgento @RonanFarrow @RoArquette pic.twitter.com/b72fAlwvew
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 20, 2017
.@AsiaArgento I am proud and honored to know you. You just did the hardest thing in the world. https://t.co/i2Lsb6h5vU
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 10, 2017
Bourdain also spoke in interviews about the various #MeToo allegations, including what he told Slate was a “personal failing” that the women in his life hadn’t viewed him as a “natural ally” in whom they could confide.
this is the least of it, but Anthony Bourdain had one of the most insightful responses to #MeToo allegations — in his industry and others — of any man in public life https://t.co/URwBF9IuFl pic.twitter.com/qIUZv56iIe
— Jessica Goldstein (@jessicagolds) June 8, 2018
With his death, Bourdain is being held up as an ally. #MeToo founder Tarana Burke was quick to react to his death, while actress Amber Tamblyn offered a message of support to Argento. Journalist Yashar Ali posted a lengthy Twitter thread about his friend’s commitment to championing #MeToo.
I just… https://t.co/3TG2Ciaayc
— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) June 8, 2018
Witches: please prepare the strongest protection spell you have for our sister Asia Argento today. Please lift her up with all the love and light your conjuring is capable of casting. #AnthonyBourdain
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) June 8, 2018
McGowan, meanwhile, posted a video that shows her crying over the news.
Anthony I am so mad at you. You were so loved, the world is not better without you. I have a message for those considering suicide as a solution to a temporary problem. Please call a hotline. Please reach out. Asia needed you, Anthony. We needed you. Please come back. pic.twitter.com/kqOEdJ80h9
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 8, 2018
A “beyond devastated” Argento issued a statement on Friday.
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) June 8, 2018
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
‘It was a complete shock’: Kate Spade’s husband, Andy, releases statement after the designer’s suicide
Why are people more likely to kill themselves in the spring and summer?
The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal is now part of the #MeToo movement. Here’s why
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