Salma Hayek and the monster behind ‘Frida’: Harvey Weinstein

“A drop in an ocean of sorrow”, these were the words he used Salma Hayek to describe herself after the accusations against the film producer Harvey Weinstein exploded against him, pointing out the crimes committed throughout his prolific career in Hollywood.

Harvey accompanied the Veracruz artist during the production process of one of the most famous films of the last twenty years, we talked about ‘Frida‘ the biographical film that narrates the life of the artist mexican Frida Kahlowho left his legacy as proof of a turbulent life and unwavering character.

It was precisely the painter who inspired Salma Hayek to persevere on his way to the top, providing him with the example he needed to use art as the voice of the stories he wanted to tell the public. This love moved the jarocha to create the famous film, however the path was not going to be as sweet as she expected.

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In 2017 a series of artists who worked with Harvey Weinstein they filed complaints against him, accusing him of using his influence and power for purposes of personal satisfaction. The jarocha actress was one of them, who recounted her turbulent relationship with the producer in an endearing press article.

in said material Salma Hayek She reported that at first she was very excited about working with Weinstein, since he was one of the most important producers of the moment and she considered it an honor that he took in her hands the first project made by her, seeing it more than as an entry of money, as a springboard for your career.

And it is that until that moment the actress was recognized only for her physical beauty, pigeonholed in the role of “beautiful Latina” that had her limited. ‘Frida‘ was in many ways a way for him to make a name for himself in Hollywood, not because of his body, but because of his talent and the message he wanted to show the world.

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However, the situation would end in a string of deceit, lies and blackmail that ended up destroying his self-esteem for some time, since Harvey Weinstein He was willing to the last consequence to get what his lowest desires demanded of him.

Salma Hayek mentioned in her article that she was the victim of repeated threats, being forced to say no to their unethical requests, living in constant danger during the filming period and almost losing her beloved project due to the Machiavellian whims of someone who at one time admired.

For him I was not an artist; it wasn’t even a person. It was one thing: a nobody, just a body,” said the actress.

On several occasions, Harvey attempted to take away the leading role of ‘Frida‘ to give it to another actress who had the necessary talent, statements that, of course, were blackmail with double intentions.

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In addition, many other times he was about to cancel the film, despite the superhuman efforts he made. Salma Hayek did to meet his nearly impossible requirements. Among which were four:

1. Get the script rewritten without any additional payment.
2. Raise $10 million to finance the film.
3. Hire a top-notch manager.
4. Ensuring well-known actors played four of the smaller roles.

Finally, Salma Hayek managed to consecrate the most important work of his career, enduring the hell that Harvey Weinstein he put it through for years. With ‘Frida‘ proved to the world that she is much more than a pretty face and that she possesses the ability to tell stories beautifully, and that as an actress she exudes talent.

Why do so many of us artists have to go to war to tell our stories when we have so much to offer?