The gender equality activist will head the group aimed at fighting power abuse and sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. Its creation is "a historic step" in the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
"The commission will lead the entertainment industry toward alignment in achieving safer, fairer, more equitable and accountable workplaces —particularly for women and marginalized people," a news release said, as reported by the US newspaper The New York Times.
Hill will lead the new commission on fighting power abuse in HollywoodImage: picture-alliance/dpa/Invision/W. Sanjuan
The newly founded commission, named the Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace, will be headed by law professor and gender equality activist Anita Hill.
Since reports of widespread sexual harassment by the Hollywood behemoth producer were brought to light this past October, subsequent allegations have caused prominent men to be fired or step down from positions of power, with much of this occurring in the media and entertainment industry.
"The Commission will not seek just one solution, but a comprehensive strategy to address the complex and interrelated causes of the problems of parity and power," Kennedy said in the release.
She also praised the widespread support the initiative has received from the major players in the entertainment industry, who attended the Friday meeting.
High-profile sexual misconduct cases in the US
Since The New York Times published allegations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein in October, many other prominent US men have faced harassment allegations. DW looks at some high-profile cases.
Image: picture-alliance/NurPhoto/R. Tivony
The case that sparked a global debate
Harvey Weinstein has been accused by dozens of women of sexual harassment or sexual assaults, including rape. Under investigation by police departments in New York, London, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual sex, but apologized for causing "a lot of pain." The case prompted many other women to come forward.
Image: Reuters/A. Kelly
Media men in glass houses
PBS and CBS host Charlie Rose is accused by several women of unwanted sexual advances, walking naked in front of them or making lewd phone calls. He has apologized for his behavior but questioned the accuracy of some of the allegations. Meanwhile, Journalist Mark Halperin is accused of harassing about 12 women while at ABC News.
Image: Reuters/C. Allegri
Politicians from the Republican party...
US Senate candidate Roy Moore, a Republican from Alabama, is accused of sexually assaulting two teenagers and pursuing relationships with several others decades ago, when he was in his 30s. He has denied the allegations. Former President George H.W. Bush was accused of patting seven women below the waist. The 93-year-old has issued apologies through a spokesman "to anyone he has offended."
Image: Getty Images/W. Frazer
...and the Democrats
A senior figure in the US Democratic party, Minnesota Senator Al Franken is accused of forcibly kissing radio personality Leeann Tweeden and groping her while she slept during a 2006 tour to Afghanistan to entertain US troops. The former comedian who became a senator in 2009 has apologized, saying he felt "disgusted" with himself.
Image: picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com
Sexual misconduct in sports
Ex-USA gymnastics team doctor Lawrence "Larry" Nassar is accused of abusing over 100 female athletes. He pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct and could face 25 years in prison. Three of his victims were under 13 years old. Israeli IOC member Alex Gilady is accused by two women of rape and by two others of inappropriate conduct. He denies the rape accusations.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P.Sancya
Hollywood stars under scrutiny
Actor Kevin Spacey has been accused by at least 24 men of sexual misconduct or assault. London police are investigating two sexual assaults and he was fired from "House of Cards." Dustin Hoffman is accused by a woman of harassing her when she was 17. He has apologized for his behavior. Writer-director James Toback is accused by hundreds of women of sexual harassment. He denies the allegations.
Image: Reuters/M. Anzuoni
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"The fact that so many industry leaders — across film, television, music, digital, unions, agencies ... and guilds — came together, in one room, to explore solutions speaks to a new era."
The commission's backers include the CEOs of Disney, Paramount and Universal Music Group, as well as the content head of Netflix and the chief executive of CBS broadcasting company. Many music academies, major agencies and unions also backed the commission's establishment.
From Congress hearing to Hollywood halls
The group selected law professor Anita Hill to head up the new commission. Hill brought workplace sexual harassment to the forefront of American consciousness when she testified in 1991 in Congress against Supreme Court justice nominee Clarence Thomas. Since then, Hill has been an outspoken advocate for racial and gender equality.
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"It is time to end the culture of silence," Hill said in a statement. "I've been at this work for 26 years. This moment presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to make real change."
The commission is set to meet just after the New Year to refine its mission, scope and priorities.
Actress and women's rights activist Jane Fonda welcomed the news of the commission's establishment as an action taken beyond the #metoo hashtag response.
