Jacqueline Bisset Stirs Controversy: ‘Unsympathetic’ To #MeToo Victims

Actress Jacqueline Bissetis making headlines after admitting she is “unsympathetic” toward women who came forward during the #MeToo movement, suggesting that women are partially to blame for sexual harassment.

Bisset’s remarks come years after the #MeToo movement gained widespread attention in 2017, following the exposure of disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s decades-long pattern of alleged sexual abuse. The movement led to the downfall of several high-profile men in entertainment, media, and politics, including former CBS executive Les Moonves, comedian Louis C.K., and former “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer.

Despite the movement’s impact, Jacqueline Bisset questions the narrative surrounding many of the allegations, saying she finds it difficult to sympathize with those who spoke out.

The 80-year-old “Day for Night” star shared her controversial views in an interview with Page Six, arguing that both men and women have a role to play in avoiding inappropriate situations.

“I understand as an idea, it’s important that men behave, but I do really think it’s important that women behave, too,” she stated. “I think how you dress, what your subtext is, is very, very important. It’s very dangerous and not to be played with.”

She added that she is “very unsympathetic to these stories, these #MeToo things” and “You have to be very careful what you put out [there].”

The veteran actress also believes that women should be more assertive in shutting down unwanted advances, and they “need to learn the word ‘no’ or the F-word or something, and you have to do it, and you can get through it without any problem.”

Bisset, who first moved from the UK to the U.S. in 1967, claims she has never personally experienced sexual harassment in the industry. “I was very determined not to have anything happen to me, and I was completely devoted to that idea,” she explained.

Throughout her career, Bisset starred in films like “The Detective,” “Airport,” and “Murder on the Orient Express,” but it was her role in 1977’s “The Deep” that cemented her place in Hollywood. The film’s promotional posters, which featured her in a wet, clinging white T-shirt, became iconic. However, in a 2021 interview with The New York Post, Bisset admitted she was “horrified” by the images.

The #MeToo movement is one of the most significant social movements in recent history, bringing global attention to the pervasive issues of sexual harassment and assault. While the movement gained widespread recognition in 2017, its origins trace back over a decade earlier, highlighting the resilience and determination of survivors seeking justice.

The phrase “Me Too” was first coined in 2006 by activist Tarana Burke, who sought to create a space for survivors, particularly young women of color, to share their experiences and find solidarity. However, it wasn’t until October 2017 that the movement exploded onto the world stage when actress Alyssa Milano encouraged survivors to post #MeToo on social media in response to the sexual misconduct allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

What followed was an outpouring of stories from women and men across various industries, revealing the depth and breadth of sexual violence and harassment in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

The impact of the #MeToo movement has been profound.

In Hollywood, the exposure of powerful figures such as Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Matt Lauer, and Kevin Spacey led to legal consequences, career terminations, and a broader cultural reckoning. Beyond the entertainment industry, #MeToo spurred widespread reforms in corporate workplaces, politics, and even sports.

Many companies introduced stricter sexual harassment policies, while lawmakers in several states pushed for stronger legal protections for survivors, including extended statutes of limitations and mandatory workplace training.

However, the movement has not been without controversy.

Some critics argue that #MeToo has contributed to a culture of cancel culture, where accused individuals face professional or social consequences without due process. Others believe that while the movement has made significant strides, it has not done enough to address the struggles of marginalized survivors, particularly women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in lower-income communities.

Additionally, while concerns about false accusations have been raised, research consistently shows that false reports of sexual violence are rare compared to the overwhelming number of real cases.