An arrest warrant has been filed against actress Rose McGowan, an outspoken critic of the culture of sexual harassment in Hollywood.
The warrant cites McGowan for felony possession of a controlled substance.
According to CBS News the charge stems from an investigation into personal possessions left behind on a United Airlines flight into Washington Dulles International Airport on Jan. 20.
Police say the unnamed items tested positive for narcotics.
CBS said the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department received the warrant on Feb. 1. The police didn’t explain why they took no action on the warrant for ten months.
McGowan denies having or using illegal drugs. In a tweet she suggests that the months-old warrant is an attempt to stop her crusade to end sexual harassment and assault.
McGowan has accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her at the Sundance Film Festival in 1997. The actress subsequently took a $100,000 cash payoff to not publicize her claims. Weinstein said the payoff was “not to be construed as an admission” of guilt but was instead intended to “avoid litigation and buy peace,” according to a legal document reportedly reviewed by the New York Times.
McGowan said she chose not to press charges on the advice of a female criminal attorney.
a (female) criminal attorney said because I'd done a sex scene in a film I would never win against the studio head. #WhyWomenDontReport
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016
So far about 30 actresses have accused Weinstein of lewd or inappropriate behavior, sexual assault, and rape. The list includes such well-known actresses as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd, Rosanna Arquette, Heather Graham, Asia Argento, Mira Sorvino, and Kate Beckinsale.
Some of the victims have said Weinstein tried to hurt their careers when they resisted his advances.
The New York Times reports that Harvey Weinstein had bought off at least eight women, who later revealed that he had abused or molested them.
McGowan also claims that former Hollywood studio executive Harvey Weinstein, now facing at least three investigations for sexual assault, offered her one million dollars to keep her mouth shut.
McGowan, since coming forward, has decided to lead the charge against the culture of accepted sexual harassment and assault. McGowan was the keynote speaker at the Women’s Convention at Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan on Oct. 27, where she encouraged women to report on all sexual harassment incidents.
CLEAN THE HOUSE #ROSEARMY pic.twitter.com/nTzH4VKGyG
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 30, 2017
Harvey Weinstein is facing criminal investigations for sexual assault by three police departments, in New York, Los Angeles, and London. Complaints against Mr. Weinstein stretch back more than 30 years.
Many people in Hollywood had heard stories about Weinstein’s behavior, but took no action.
Musician and actress Courtney Love publicly warned aspiring Hollywood actresses about Harvey Weinstein at a comedy program back in 2005.
Love was attending a Comedy Central event in Hollywood when she was asked if she had any advice for aspiring actresses. She responded, “Ummm, I’ll get libeled if I say it. If Harvey Weinstein invites you to a private party in the Four Seasons, don’t go.”
