Book on Howard Hughes previews the future #MeToo movement

Writer and film critic Karina Longworth’s research for her new book on Howard Hughes has yielded an unpleasant truth: The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Specifically, she calls the #MeToo conversations “revolutionary,” in a recent discussion with Fresh Air’s Terry Gross, in that we’re actually talking about sexual harassment and exploitation — a behavior that’s long had a safe home in Hollywood.

Longworth’s book Seduction: Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard Hughes's Hollywood tells the stories of ten women with whom the filmmaker had relationships.

(Though to call them “relationships” ignores the coercion and exercise of power involved.)

You can listen to the conversation below or read interview highlights on NPR’s website.