Elaine Goldsmith Thomasfilm producer and nearby collaborator of Jennifer Lopez, exposes in her first novel the abuse of power and sexualized culture of the entertainment industry in recent decades.
The book, entitled Climbing in Heels And with a launch planned for April 29 under the stamp of St. Martin’s Press, it is based on the author’s personal experiences during her early years as an assistant in the agency William Morrisat the beginning of the 1980s.
“Harvey Weinstein It was no exception, it was the norm”Said Goldsmith Thomas in an interview with Page Six. “It was the old west.”
The producer describes a system in which sexual abuses and exploitation were part of the daily functioning of the industry.
One of the most striking episodes narrated in the book includes an assistant authorized by his boss to listen to sexual encounters with actresses.
“That story was told by an apprentice they allowed him to listen. That was his bonus … his little prize. His boss let him hear while he was used to actresses”He explained.
Climbing in Heels Follow the story of three young women working in one of the most influential agencies in Hollywood. According to the writer, many of the episodes of the book are inspired by real events.
“He reminded me many things,” he explained, referring to his first days in the agency, when They sent cocaine by mail From Los Angeles to New York in what was known as the “New York Pouch.”
Elaine Goldsmith Thomas He also recalled an incident with Bill Cosby, then one of William Morris’s most important clients.
After meeting him at a lunch for attendees, he received an invitation to bring contracts to the Beverly Wilshire hotel.
“I felt seen, really seen. I was excited. But a friend who worked in the agency’s presidency told me: ‘Don’t do it.’ He didn’t explain why, but he scared me enough not to go,” he said.
Subsequently, more than 60 women accused Cosby, today 87, of sexual aggression. Although was convicted in 2018his sentence was annulled and was released in 2021. He has denied all the accusations.
In the work environment, Goldsmith Thomas lived repeated situations of harassment. “In the email room they told me: ‘Do you give me a Keppy?’ –They wanted oral sex-. I replied: ‘How can you ask me that? We are friends. ‘ And they said: ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get‘”
The work culture was dominated by men with decades in power. “It was like Mad MenIt was: ‘love, kneel’. The ‘bad boys’ gave them pat, but in secret they were admired, congratulated them, lived through them, ”he said.
He added that not all men acted the same, but many. “I remember that They made fun of a homosexual apprenticealthough they called him at night for favors. ”
The abuse of young actresses was also systematic, according to the author. “There was a casting sofa even before arriving at the agency,” he explained.
And he continued in his story: “An actress entered and the casting director asked me: ‘Is it fun? Is it high? Is it sexy?‘I said:’ It looks good. ‘ Closed the door and I didn’t know what happened afterbut it was a conspiracy. “
Asked about the impact of the movement #Metoo, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas He was blunt: “A thousand percent. And not only for men, changed for everyone. Now everyone takes care of themselves in a way they didn’t do before. And good, because when you look behind, it was incredible. ”
The debutante writer also commented that It was Jennifer Lopez who drove her to write the book. “Not only gave me green light, it was rather: ‘What a shame you are not doing. This is what you want to be and do,” he recalled.
Both have maintained a professional relationship for more than two decades, after meeting in 1998 in a Broadway function. “We feel a very visceral connection“, said.
Lopez He currently participates in the promotion of the book and collaborates with the author in various projects, including the film Office Romancewhich stars together with Brett Goldstein.
“Working with Jennifer was like having a partner. Put the shoulder next to mine and we pushed together. It was not that the sky was the limit; It was a resting place, ”he said Goldsmith Thomaswho also referred to the public image of the singer.
He added: “Sometimes, when I see what they write about her, I want to call everyone and say: ‘They have everything wrong.’ She is one of the less prejudiced people I know”
The novel will also be adapted for television by Peacock, which has acquired the rights with a serial commitment.
The project will be developed by Universal TV with script and executive production of Goldsmith Thomas and Darren Starcreator of series as Sex and the city and Emily in Paris.
“I am delighted that Climbing in Heels It has been acquired so quickly by Peacock, “said the author.” She is the perfect home for Darren and I give life to these such complex and colorful characters. “
