Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Sexiest People
  • The Travel List
  • streaming
  • Video
Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Sexiest People
  • The Travel List
  • streaming
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Entertainment

David Schwimmer reveals his mother was sexually harassed her 'whole career'

See His Powerful PSA. - by Auriele Corinthios
  • 30 Jan 2018
David Schwimmer reveals his mother was sexually harassed her 'whole career'
Getty Images

David Schwimmer‘s latest project hits close to home.

 

The Friends star has teamed up with Israeli-American writer/director Sigal Avin to make a series of powerful short films about sexual harassment for a PSA campaign dubbed #ThatsHarassment. Edited versions are currently airing on TV and digital outlets including Hulu and Amazon, as well as in all New York City taxis.

Avin came up with the idea for the vignettes, a version of which first launched in Israel in December 2016, because she wanted to define and visualize what everyday harassment looks like.

Schwimmer, 51, performs in one, playing a boss who sexually harasses his subordinate — a situation he’s familiar with due to his mother’s own experiences.

david schwimmer
NBC

“I grew up with countless stories of my mother as a young attorney in California being sexually harassed her whole career, pretty much,” the actor said Monday while promoting the campaign on Megyn Kelly Today. “She just grew up with it — as well as sexism, even by judges and clients and other lawyers.”

David Schwimmer talks about 'That's Harassment' PSAs, 'Friends' reunion

“It was something I was very familiar with — and then of course, my sister and pretty much every friend and colleague and former girlfriend I’ve ever had has been a victim of sexual harassment, if not sexual assault,” he continued. “So it’s something I’ve always been concerned about, and I’ve also been an advocate for the last 20 years for child and adult victims of sexual assault.”

The Boss | #ThatsHarassment | Ad Council

Schwimmer and Avin have also partnered with the National Women’s Law Center to create a digital toolkit to help employers address and prevent sexual harassment.

“Sexual harassment is really about power,” said Schwimmer. “And it happens in the workplace between two people where there’s a tremendous imbalance of power.”

Asked if he has any fear or trepidation to speak on the issue of harassment and assault as a man, Schwimmer said no.

“Look, I certainly understand why right now, in the current climate, men are reluctant to come forward and speak, which is a shame because nothing is going to be accomplished without dialogue,” he said. “So part of our goal is to really try to bring men into the conversation. It’s tough though when if there’s any slight kind of misstep … it’s taken out of context. It’s really unfair to completely condemn someone for trying to articulate how they feel.”

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Who magazine

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Who magazine

Recommended to you

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out
Watch 0:36

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out

{headline}

{headline}

Kate Winslet tearfully admits she has 'Bitter Regrets' about working with certain people in Hollywood

Kate Winslet tearfully admits she has 'Bitter Regrets' about working with certain people in Hollywood

Paul Sorvino threatens to kill Harvey Weinstein over his daughter Mira's allegations

Paul Sorvino threatens to kill Harvey Weinstein over his daughter Mira's allegations

Cara Delevingne says Harvey Weinstein sexually harassed her during audition

Cara Delevingne says Harvey Weinstein sexually harassed her during audition

Friends star is set to join Will & Grace

Friends star is set to join Will & Grace

{headline}

{headline}

Michael Caine says he will never work with Woody Allen again

Michael Caine says he will never work with Woody Allen again

Dylan Farrow blasts Justin Timberlake for supporting Time's Up after working with Woody Allen

Dylan Farrow blasts Justin Timberlake for supporting Time's Up after working with Woody Allen

Keira Knightley reveals she has been sexually assaulted multiple times

Keira Knightley reveals she has been sexually assaulted multiple times

{headline}

{headline}

James Franco has responded to inappropriate sex allegations

James Franco has responded to inappropriate sex allegations

The Wrong Girl's Christie Whelan-Browne speaks out amid Craig McLachlan harassment claims

The Wrong Girl's Christie Whelan-Browne speaks out amid Craig McLachlan harassment claims

HIV-positive Maryland track coach admits to sexually abusing 42 male students

HIV-positive Maryland track coach admits to sexually abusing 42 male students

Nelly’s rape case has been dropped after accuser declined to assist investigation

Nelly’s rape case has been dropped after accuser declined to assist investigation

Tracey Spicer continues to speak out against sexual harassment

Tracey Spicer continues to speak out against sexual harassment

Bella Thorne reveals she's been molested

Bella Thorne reveals she's been molested

Celebrity Chef Mario Batali has been accused of sexual misconduct

Celebrity Chef Mario Batali has been accused of sexual misconduct

Who
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy
Who Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • marie claire
  • Bounty Parents

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Who

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Who magazine