Harvey Weinstein: Big Bang Theory actor Mayim Bialik apologises again for controversial op-ed

'I am truly sorry for causing so much pain'

Mayim Bialik, actress and neuroscientist (Getty)

Following multiple sexual assault allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, Mayim Bialik wrote an op-ed for the New York Times.

The article has been criticised online, many commentators saying The Big Bang Theory star was “victim blaming”. After initially explaining herself — “a bunch of people have taken my words out of the context” — Bialik has posted an apology on social media.

“Let me say clearly and explicitly say I am very sorry,” the actor wrote. “What you wear and how you behave does no provide any protection from assault, nor does the way you dress of act in any way make you responsible for being assaulted; you are never responsible for being assaulted.”

Bialik then applauded the “bravery” of those women who have come forward, the actor offering support and demanding accountability for those who are responsible for such acts.

She concluded: “I am truly sorry for causing so much pain, and I hope you can all forgive me.”

In the op-ed, Balik wrote about entering “the Hollywood machine in 1986 as a prominent-nosed, awkward, geeky, Jewish 11-year-old” knowing “I didn't look or act like other girls in my industry.”

The actor then described the pressures young girls face in Hollywood, including being forced to alter their appearance. Malik wrote how she “always made conservative choices as a young actress” and her mother forbade makeup and manicures and “encouraged me to be myself in audition rooms.

Bialik went on to acknowledge how she still makes choices she considers “self-protecting and wise”, adding: “my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with. I dress modestly. I don't act flirtatiously with men as a policy.”

She concluded: “If you're not a perfect 10, know that there are people out there who will find you stunning, irresistible and worthy of attention, respect and love. The best part is you don't have to go to a hotel room or a casting couch to find them.”

The piece sparked an immediate backlash, commentators saying the piece implied dressing conservatively and modest behaviour could prevent sexual assault.

The op-ed was published following multiple sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein were made public, actors such as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Beckinsale coming forward. Weinstein has apologised for having "caused a lot of pain" but has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.