DINH DOONG

Corey Feldman, a former child actor, has been outspoken about the dark side of Hollywood, particularly regarding the exploitation and abuse of young talents.

In various interviews and through his memoir, Feldman has shared his personal experiences of being abused by powerful figures in the industry, a topic that has historically been shrouded in secrecy.

Feldman has consistently emphasized that many of the individuals responsible for the abuse he and his late friend, fellow actor Corey Haim, endured remain influential in Hollywood. His claims point to a pervasive culture of silence, where the powerful are protected, and those who speak out are often marginalized.

Despite facing skepticism and opposition, including public pushback from media figures like Barbara Walters, Feldman continues to advocate for transparency and accountability within the industry.

His revelations have sparked important discussions about the treatment of child actors and the need for systemic changes in Hollywood to prevent further abuse.

These conversations echo other high-profile cases, such as that of Brooke Shields, who also faced exploitation at a young age, underscoring the urgency of protecting vulnerable performers in the entertainment world.

 

Feldman’s courage in sharing his story may ultimately lead to reforms that prioritize the safety and well-being of young actors.

An unearthed video from a 2013 episode of The View has resurfaced, showing a controversial interaction between Barbara Walters and Corey Feldman. During the segment, Feldman discussed his memoir Choreography, which details the abuse he endured as a child actor in Hollywood.

Feldman spoke about the disturbing reality of children being exploited at Hollywood parties and events, but Walters appeared to downplay his claims, raising concerns among viewers that she was protecting Hollywood’s image over addressing the serious issue of abuse.

The resurfaced clip gained attention in the wake of widespread revelations of abuse and misconduct in Hollywood, including allegations against Harvey Weinstein.

Many social media users rallied behind Feldman, expressing frustration that his allegations had not been given the attention they deserved. Some criticized Walters for her apparent dismissal of Feldman’s experiences, demanding an apology from her for the way she handled the interview.

This incident isn’t the only time Walters has faced criticism. In previous interviews, she had been accused of using invasive or inappropriate questioning, such as her infamous 1980 interview with a 15-year-old Brooke Shields, where she asked personal questions about her body and future plans.

Walters was also criticized for defending Woody Allen amid resurfaced abuse allegations and for her line of questioning with Ricky Martin in 2000, where she persistently probed his sexual orientation despite his desire to avoid the subject.

These criticisms highlight a pattern in Walters’ interviewing style, where she has been seen as prioritizing the reputations of powerful figures or prying into sensitive personal issues at the expense of the interviewee’s comfort and well-being.