Salma Hayek felt ‘undermined’ after accusing Harvey Weinstein of harassment

'I have just written an article about undermining and they are all undermining me'

(Getty Images)

Salma Hayek has recalled feeling “undermined” when she made allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein in an essay for The New York Times, explaining that many people doubted whether or not she had written the piece.

In December 2017, Hayek claimed that she was subjected to unwanted sexual advances by the disgraced Hollywood producer, who allegedly threatened to kill her in a fit of rage when she turned him down.

Weinstein has previously denied all allegations of misconduct and said that all sexual acts were consensual. Meanwhile, his legal team have called many allegations against him “patently false”.

Speaking to British Vogue for its September issue, guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex, Hayek recalled penning the op-ed, titled Harvey Weinstein is my monster too, and explained that she was “prepared for a terrible reaction”.

“People would call and say: ‘Can we have the name of the writer who wrote that for her?’,” the American-Mexican actor stated.

“I wrote it myself! Every single word!” Hayek added. “I have just written an article about undermining and they are all undermining me.”

The Frida star went on to explain how writing the essay was particularly significant for her given her experiences with dyslexia.

“I was able to say to myself, I can write, which is a very big deal because I am highly dyslexic,” she said. “It gave me so much confidence to write the article. And it made me feel free.”

The actor was chosen as one of 15 changemakers to feature on the latest cover of British Vogue alongside a group of women that also includes environmentalist Greta Thunberg, activist and model Adwoa Aboah and Jacinda Arden, prime minister of New Zealand.

In a statement released by Vogue, the publication describes the women chosen by the duchess as “brilliant female changemakers who have had a laudable impact in recent times and who are set to reshape society in radical and positive ways”.

British Vogue's September issue, guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex (Peter Lindbergh/PA Wire)

The September issue of British Vogue also features an exclusive interview conducted between the duchess and former US first lady Michelle Obama, in addition to a conversation between the Duke of Sussex and primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, an article written by I Weigh founder Jameela Jamil, and more.

The September issue of British Vogue is available on newsstands and digital download from Friday 2 August 2019.