Actress Julie Newmar, immortalized as the original Catwoman, became the target of harsh criticism on social media and in the press after declaring that only men should rule Hollywood. The 92-year-old veteran gained fame mainly for her iconic role in the TV series “Batman”, which aired between 1966 and 1968.
Newmar made the statements during a recent interview with the British newspaper The Guardian. In the conversation, the actress reflected on the sensual roles she played throughout her career and the male attention that these characters attracted, contextualizing her positive view of the dynamics in the industry at the time.
“Luckily, I liked it,” Newmar told the Guardian. “It was good. I’m…not exactly on the front lines of the #MeToo crowd.”
The artist went on to explain her perspective: “I like men a lot. I understand them. And the heads of the studios, yes, they break down a door, do this or that. That’s how they act. Do you think it’s going to change things? Not much… And you know what? It works. It works wonderfully because men are very good to women.”
Asked directly whether the entertainment industry should be run by men, the actress responded bluntly: “It should be. They do it better.”
The #MeToo movement, mentioned by Newmar, exploded after allegations of sexual abuse against producer Harvey Weinstein. Several women who experienced attacks and sexual crimes decided to come forward to report the abuse that occurred in the entertainment industry.
One of the most powerful men in Hollywood, Weinstein has racked up more than 80 allegations of misconduct. He has always denied the allegations, but is currently serving a 16-year sentence in federal prison after being convicted of rape.
Julie Newmar, who is also a dancer, designer and businesswoman, designed part of the iconic Catwoman costume used in the series, a piece that is now part of the collection of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States. At 92, she still cares for her son John, 42, who has Down syndrome, something that contrasts with the current debate about gender in the industry.