Yesterday we reported that Tessa Thompson called out Lena Dunham for her faux involvement in 'Time’s Up' initiative. Started by over 300 Hollywood actress, the movement was launched to help everyday women fight sexual harassment in the workplace. When the Girls creator and star reportedly slid into a photo op after all the heavy lifting was done, Thompson called foul on the opportunistic look. In a since-deleted Instagram comment, Thompson wrote, "Lena was not anywhere present in our group during the countless hours of work for the last two months. We hosted an open house for actresses for red carpet messaging and Lena presence was a surprise to us all."
And, the internet rejoiced.
Nothing but respect for my president, @TessaThompson_x. Tell the truth and shame the devil! Performative allyship has ALWAYS been @lenadunham’s modus operandi. #TimesUp
https://t.co/oB8jDLVDxI— April (@ReignOfApril) January 9, 2018
As the story, which was originally reported in Nylon, made its way through the interwebs, it incited viral clappage towards Dunham, whose notoriety for being consistently problematic is quickly eclipsing her actual fame. In response to all the attention, Thompson took to Twitter yesterday to clarify her initial comments on Dunham, writing, "I, in no way, want to diminish Lena Dunham and her work, her voice, and her importance. We have spoken and she knows my heart.”
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) January 9, 2018
Dunham also released a statement on Indiewire, which reads, "I was honored to be invited to the meeting by a close friend and to observe the work that these amazing women have been doing the past few months. For highly personal reasons, I’ve been unable to join previous efforts but being asked to be a part of this celebratory moment was truly beautiful. I’ve worked with Tessa and respect her artistry and admire her consistent candor."
In her statement, Dunham basically admits to inserting herself into the celebratory photo op after "these amazing women" had already put in the work. What are we missing? Is this not exactly what Tessa called her out for in the first place?
Lena, you know we can see you, right?
The power dynamics are obvious.
I hate that you felt the need to apologize to a white woman who has yet to apologize to the Black rape victim who she called a liar. But I get it, I see you, and we always gonna love you.
— Ima Fire That Fury Heaux (@kelleent) January 9, 2018
Tessa followed up with a final statement to make it perfectly clear that her clarification was NOT an apology.
This was not meant as an apology, as much as an attempt to re-center the conversation around the work. The truth remains:
Many women, particularly women of color, don’t feel safe and seen. To those women, like Aurora Perrineau—I see you. I am with you. This must be clear. pic.twitter.com/XOEZZYfGpB— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) January 9, 2018
Enough of the foolery. Back to work, because…black women.
And—— back to work.
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) January 9, 2018
