The mounting allegations and criminal investigations launched against Harvey Weinstein are now empowering women to speak out against others in the industry who have behaved similarly. Amazon‘s Roy Price has been suspended in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, while both Ben Affleck and Oliver Stone have also been called out for their inappropriate behavior. Now, Bjork is speaking up about her experience with “a Danish director” who is almost certainly Lars von Trier.
It’s no secret that the musician had a miserable time making 2000’s “Dancer In The Dark,” reportedly vanishing from the set for three days during the middle of production. Before the film premiered at Cannes, there was plenty of chatter about the on-set battles between Bjork and von Trier, but now the artist is alleging that the filmmaker made multiple advances upon her, and when rejected, “sulked and punished” her. Here’s Bjork’s statement:
The next film von Trier would make is 2003’s “Dogville” starring Nicole Kidman. The director claimed in 2011 that Bjork sent Kidman “a letter saying she should not take the part because I would eat her soul.” The actress made the film, but later admitted that von Trier was “difficult,” and dropped out of their planned followup, “Manderlay,” citing scheduling problems (Bryce Dallas Howard took the lead role instead).
Lars von Trier has not yet responded to Bjork’s allegations.