Escaping Harvey Weinstein was a ‘cat-and-mouse game,’ says Katherine Kendall

## Katherine Kendall: How I Escaped Harvey Weinstein

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the ripples of trauma continue to spread, empowering victims to come forward with their stories. Actress Katherine Kendall, who met Weinstein in 1993, recently shared her harrowing experience with PBS NewsHour, revealing the lasting impact of her encounter.

Kendall, then a 23-year-old actress, recounted how a seemingly promising meeting at Miramax quickly turned sinister. After being invited to a movie screening, Weinstein invited her to his apartment under the guise of retrieving something. What followed was a disturbing power play.

“Once there, we talked for a long time about art and movies,” Kendall explained. “And I felt like he was treating me like an intellect.” However, the atmosphere shifted when Weinstein emerged from the bathroom in a robe, asking for a massage. When she refused, he returned completely naked.

“It was completely disorienting,” Kendall said. “And I was scared, you know? I was really scared.” Describing it as a “cat-and-mouse game,” she detailed her desperate attempts to escape the situation. Weinstein, a large man, stood between her and the door. He then asked her to show him her breasts. Kendall ultimately managed to leave, but the experience left a profound scar.

In the aftermath, Kendall grappled with feelings of shame and self-blame, a common response among victims of sexual harassment. She confided in her mother and close friends, but feared the potential backlash of going public.

The long-term effects lingered. “I think it made me feel like, wow, you know, that was a wash,” Kendall admitted, doubting Weinstein’s genuine interest in her talent. Seeing his name or encountering him in person triggered intense emotional responses, bringing back the fear and humiliation she had tried to suppress.

What ultimately pushed Kendall to speak out now, years later? She credits the reporting of Jodi Kantor at *The New York Times* and the courage of other actresses like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. “I just thought, they look strong to me, and I don’t want to be the one that stays silent. I want to stand beside them.”

Kendall’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of sexual harassment and assault. By sharing her experience, she hopes to empower other victims to come forward and break the silence that has long protected abusers. Her bravery, along with the work of journalists like Jodi Kantor, signals a turning point in the industry and a growing demand for accountability.