'Manster' Harvey Weinstein is Arrested, Here's How Social Media and #MeToo Respond

Harvey Weinstein was officially arrested Friday morning. As reported by Variety, the humiliated movie mogul’s detainment came due to “suspicion of rape, a criminal sexual act, sex abuse, and sexual misconduct.”

In other words, he won’t be the center square on a game show any time soon.

Career = kaput.

Unsurprisingly, #MeToo figures came out to comment on his being taken into custody.

Asia Argento, actress and daughter of famed Italian horror director Dario Argento, was one of Weinstein’s first public detractors. Having accused the notorious film producer of rape, she made her thoughts clear as a bell on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AsiaArgento/status/999928659451432963

https://twitter.com/AsiaArgento/status/999979692022169601

Rose McGowan, who has likewise accused Harvey of rape, appeared on Megyn Kelly Today and told Good Morning America she was stunned by the arrest:

“I feel shocked. I would say it’s just so big. I have to admit I didn’t think I would see the day that he would have handcuffs on him. I have a visceral need for him to have handcuffs on.”

Social media lit up, in general.

Today a man whose actions were so egregious that they spawned a global reckoning has been taken into custody. (1/2)

— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) May 25, 2018

In honor of #HarveyWeinsteinArrested pic.twitter.com/kD1eJF2Rvz

— Blessed Be the Carbs (@LElitist) May 25, 2018

Looks like #billandhillary and #Oprah buddy #HarveyWeinsten Got tossed in the pokey #HarveyWeinsteinArrested

— Scott Vincent (@smv4jc) May 25, 2018

#HarveyWeinsteinArrested NO MAN ON THE JURY SHOULD CONVICT HIM AS A MESSAGE TO #metoo movement whose only agenda is to destroy men and claim just about any sex is rape. #jurynullification

— LetMenBeMen (@OPCROM2020) May 25, 2018

Watching #HarveyWeinsteinArrested and #BillCosby at courthouse, I’m curious what it is about sexual misconduct that’s so hard on the knees? #nowyourefeeble

— Jenny Buckley (@jenny_buckley_) May 25, 2018

Television chef (and boyfriend to Asia Argento) Anthony Bourdain got really creative:

What’s on the menu for #Weinstein @AsiaArgento pic.twitter.com/JghdzkqDgv

— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 25, 2018

But then he also got really uncreative:

Attorney Gloria Allred added her two cents, via a statement:

“I represent many accusers of Harvey Weinstein, both in lawsuits and in claims in bankruptcy court. It is long overdue for him to be required to face the bar of justice, but that day has finally come. I commend the courage of all those who have come forward and who have had the courage to speak their truth to a rich, powerful famous man. We look forward to a just result.”

Now that the Hollywood’s Public Enemy #1 is in chains, what does it do? Will the exposure of abusive, powerful men continue, or have the media focused so much attention on one man, his cuffing and booking is the symbolic and satiating end to the #MeToo saga?

Tinseltown has made out as if Harvey Weinstein was the kingpin of casting-couch crime. Yet, there are lots of studios, lots of production companies, lots of producers, actors, directors, agents, managers, and executives. If the entire movement was only about the arrest and prosecution of one man, it seems to me it wasn’t really a movement. If Harvey’s day in court is its sole judicial product, the espoused principle was only applied to one foe. Might #MeToo turn out to have been mired in empty politics, virtue-signaling, and fanfare, to the tune of no real change? Do you believe the torchlit hunt for more power-wielding mansters will continue? Or will many hashtaggers move on to a new and more fashionable issue?

Time will tell.

Check out what else one #MeToo girl is up to here, and read my Ashley-Judd-Sues-Harvey-Weinstein breakdown here.

And for the love of the sun and sky, please follow Alex Parker on Twitter.