The Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is best known for his work in the spy drama The Americans, recently apologized for not stepping in to defend Kathleen Turner after a photographer accidentally took a nude shot of her in 2000 while she was performing The Graduate in London.

Turner played Mrs. Robinson, a part made famous by Anne Bancroft in the 1967 film adaptation, and is a well-known actress with a lengthy career in theater and film. Ben Braddock, the young man Mrs. Robinson seduces, was portrayed by Rhys.

At one show, a reporter was able to infiltrate the audience and take an unauthorized picture of Turner while she was performing. The actors and crew felt humiliated and outraged when the picture was later released in tabloids.

In a recent interview, 26-year-old Rhys discussed the incident and expressed regret for not doing more to defend Turner. Although he remembered seeing the flash from the audience, he figured Turner would end the performance if she felt uncomfortable because she was an experienced performer.

In retrospect, Rhys acknowledged that his initial judgment was incorrect and that he ought to have acted to defend Turner. He admitted that he should have done more to make Turner feel secure and supported because the occurrence clearly violated her right to privacy.

Since the incident involving The Graduate, Turner has continued to work in theater and film, receiving praise for her performances. With appearances in movies like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and television shows like Perry Mason, Rhys has now established himself as a reputable actor in his own right.

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Rhys Regrets Not Doing More

In a recent interview with The Times, Rhys said he had locked eyes with Turner after a photographer took an unauthorized photo of her on stage, but assumed that as a strong and independent woman, Turner would have stopped the production if she felt uncomfortable.

The next day, the photo was published in tabloids, causing embarrassment and distress for Turner. Looking back, Rhys now realizes that he should have stepped in and stood up for her.

This incident is not an isolated one, and the issue of unauthorized photography and videos in theaters continues to be a topic of debate. In March of this year, the Daily Mail published an unauthorized nude photo of James Norton during his stage performance in A Little Life. In the previous year, photos and videos of Jesse Williams in the Broadway production of Take Me Out, in which he appeared naked, were leaked on the internet. This happened because a member of the audience broke the rules and recorded the performance.

These incidents highlight the need for stricter policies to protect performers’ privacy and ensure they feel safe and supported on stage. While theaters typically have policies prohibiting the use of phones and cameras during performances, it’s clear that more needs to be done to enforce these rules and prevent incidents like this from happening.

One potential solution is to implement technology that can detect and disable phones and cameras during performances. Some theaters have already begun using such systems, and they have proven effective in preventing unauthorized recording.

However, ultimately, it’s up to audience members to respect performers’ privacy and refrain from taking unauthorized photos or videos. As Matthew Rhys’s regretful experience with Kathleen Turner shows, it only takes one person to spoil a performance and cause harm to those on stage.

Performers like Turner, Norton, and Williams deserve to feel safe and supported while doing their jobs. By advocating for stricter policies and speaking out against unauthorized photography and videos, we can help create a more respectful and secure environment for performers in the theater.

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Workplace Assault

Sexual assault and harassment in the workplace is a serious problem that has plagued women for decades. Despite increasing awareness and efforts to combat these issues, sexual assault of women in the workplace remains prevalent.

According to a 2018 survey conducted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), 81% of women surveyed reported experiencing sexual harassment at some point in their lives. In addition, a study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found that as many as 75% of all workplace harassment incidents go unreported.

Sexual assault can take many forms in the workplace, including unwanted touching, groping, sexual advances, and even rape. It can occur in any industry or profession, and can be perpetrated by anyone in a position of power or authority, including supervisors, colleagues, or even clients.

The effects of sexual assault and harassment can be devastating for victims, often resulting in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also have a negative impact on their careers, leading to job loss, missed opportunities for promotion, and even blacklisting within their industry.

In addition, women who report incidents of sexual assault or harassment often face retaliation, including being ostracized by their colleagues, being denied opportunities for advancement, or even losing their jobs. This creates a culture of fear and silence, where victims are reluctant to come forward for fear of further harm.

To combat sexual assault and harassment in the workplace, employers must take a proactive approach. This includes implementing policies and training programs to prevent sexual assault and harassment, providing support and resources for victims, and taking swift and appropriate action against perpetrators.

It’s also important for women to know their rights in the workplace. The EEOC and other organizations offer resources and support to help women understand their rights and take action if they experience sexual assault or harassment.

As a society, we must continue to work towards creating a safe and equitable workplace for all. This means challenging toxic workplace cultures, promoting accountability and transparency, and valuing and respecting all employees, regardless of gender. By working together, we can create a workplace that is free from sexual assault and harassment, and where all employees can thrive.

Photo: Rasset