Scarlett Johansson Takes Heat for Met Dress

Scarlett Johansson is standing by her decision to wear the controversial designer Marchesa‘s dress to the Met Gala Monday night.

“I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful and it is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important female designers,” Johansson, 33, said in a statement to People. The design she wore was a burgundy off-the-shoulder gown with a tulle skirt.

• Marchesa responded: “We are truly honored that Scarlett chose to wear Marchesa for the Met Gala. She is an amazingly talented actor who has incredible style and presence. It was wonderful to work so closely with her in creating this custom look.”
• Marchesa was co-founded by Georgina Chapman, the ex-wife of the disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Many considered Chapman Weinstein’s enabler, with critics claiming she must have realized he was harassing women while they were married. Several dozen women accused Weinstein of misconduct, including rape, claims he denies.
• Chapman left him once the allegations against him became public. In the aftermath of the accusations, several stories emerged of Weinstein bullying actresses featured in his movies into wearing his wife’s designs to high-profile Hollywood events.
• Johansson has been a vocal advocate for #MeToo, and has publicly called out fellow actor James Franco, who was accused of misconduct.
• “In light of the recent revelations regarding abuse of power, and sexual harassment, and the question of consent versus coercion, I find myself pensive, taking time, and digging deep to understand where we are, and how we got here. My mind baffles,” she said at the Women’s March in January.