Emma Watson donates £1 million to anti-sexual harassment campaign
Emma Watson has donated £1 million to a campaignsupporting victims of sexual harassment ahead of an evening of protest at the Baftas where stars are set to wear black in solidarity with the movement.
The actress was one of the first of a host of celebrities to donate to the UK Justice and Equality Fund - which is raising money to launch advice and support to help prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
It comes as more than 190 of Britain's leading female entertainment start backed an open letter demanding an end to sexual harassment in all industries.
Double Oscar-winner Emma Thompson, Naomie Harris, and Jodie Whittaker are among signatories to an open letter standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Hollywood’s Time's Up movement in calling for an end to harassment, abuse, and impunity in a world "ripe for change".
It comes ahead of Sunday night's Bafta Awards, where stars will be joined by activists on the red carpet while attendees wear black.
The fund has been set up by the 190 women who have signed the letter, along with a group of 160 people - including academics, activists and charity workers - to help victims "access support and justice".
Keira Knightley and Tom Hiddleston have each given £10,000.
The letter said the Bafta awards ceremony was a time to "celebrate this tremendous moment of solidarity and unity across borders by coming together and making this movement international".
It states: "This movement is bigger than just a change in our industry alone.
"This movement is intersectional, with conversations across race, class, community, ability and work environment, to talk about the imbalance of power."
Other signatories include:
- Gemma Arterton
- Carey Mulligan
- Sophie Okonedo
- Florence Pugh
- Gugu Mbatha Raw
- Saoirse Ronan
- Andrea Riseborough
- Gemma Chan
- Noma Dumezweni
- Naomie Harris
The letter reads: "In the very near past, we lived in a world where sexual harassment was an uncomfortable joke; an unavoidable awkward part of being a girl or a woman.
"It was certainly not to be discussed, let alone addressed. In 2018, we seem to have woken up in a world ripe for change.
"If we truly embrace this moment, a line in the sand will turn to stone."
The decision to wear black at the Baftas follows a similar demonstration of support at Hollywood's Golden Globe Awards earlier this year.
