Jared Leto (Tron: Ares, Masters of the Universe, Suicide Squad) is back in the news for all the wrong reasons, again.
The BBC spoke to four women who accuse him of sexual misconduct. Leto was in his 30s and 40s when he slept with these teenagers. The actor has predictably denied the allegations.
However, the evidence is damning for various reasons. First, the BBC spoke to numerous women who recounted troubling encounters with the actor. They also spoke to men who toured with his band (30 Seconds to Mars) and observed the many questionable interactions between Leto and the teenage girls who attended his concerts.
Leto would routinely invite these vulnerable fans to his dressing room. He would even extend invitations to his motel room. One woman allegedly confronted the actor after he made a lewd comment about her young daughter’s chest at an autograph signing, only for Leto to surprise the pair by repeating the comment, seemingly unapologetic.
Now, it is worth noting that Leto’s reputation was already spotty. Apparently, the actor immerses himself in movie roles by maintaining his character’s mannerisms even after the cameras stop rolling – well, those are the justifications he made for sending dead pigs, rats, and used condoms to his co-stars.
Margot Robbie, who played Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, said Leto’s intense approach to acting frightened her during filming. We have not even discussed the band’s ‘spiritual retreats’ to a private Croatian Island and the cult-like behaviour that unfolds there.
It is not a coincidence that the attendees are mostly female and Leto reportedly dresses like Jesus. None of this proves Leto’s guilt; however, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who does not believe these allegations.
So, what next? Obviously, Leto will make every possible effort to clear his name. And if the powers that be think a case can be made, they will prosecute him. Meanwhile, Hollywood will wait to see where the winds blow.
If the public turns against him, Hollywood will shun him. No more roles in blockbuster films. Not that they needed much encouragement to ditch him. Leto’s films tend to flop. And to be fair, it is not his fault.
The films suck. In fact, Leto’s acting is usually the best part of these terrible projects. But he has appeared in one too many box office failures for Hollywood to keep casting him. That said, because his acting talent is not in question, Hollywood may decide to take one more gamble on him, but only if the public backs him. But will they?
Do you believe the allegations? Will you continue to support his work? Some people don’t care what celebrities do in their personal lives. They believe that art should be judged on its own merits, separate from the antics of the artist.
Others argue that, as viewers, we have a moral duty to make the world a better place by voting with our wallets. Leto’s place in society (as a famous actor and a rock star) is a privilege, not a right.
And if Leto is truly guilty, if he slept with these teenage girls, then we should take that privilege away by rescinding our support for his content. Let someone else more deserving enjoy those luxuries. If the likes of Branden Frasier and Keanu Reeves can maintain their humility in the face of so much wealth and power, Leto has no excuse.
katmic200@gmail.com