Kate Winslet expresses 'bitter regrets' for working with accused sexual predators

Kate Winslet has recently come under fire for repeatedly failing to condemn -- and even going as far as to defend -- accused sexual predators in Hollywood she's worked with in the past.

But, while accepting an award for excellence in film at the London Critics' Circle on Jan. 28, Winslet finally addressed the Woody Allen-shaped elephant in the room.

Though perhaps not in the way many hoped she would.

"As women around the world and from all walks of life marched last weekend, once again joining together to speak out against harassment, exploitation and abuse, I realised that I wouldn't be able to stand here this evening and keep to myself some bitter regrets that I have about poor decisions to work with individuals with whom I wish I had not," she said, according to a BBC transcript.

While never explicitly named, the spectres of Woody Allen and Harvey Weinstein loomed over her sentiments.

Winslet starred in Allen's most recent film Wonder Wheel. Over the past few months, her responses to questions about his daughter Dylan Farrow's long-maintained accusation that Allen molested her as a child left a lot to be desired. Winslet either evaded the topic, defended her decision to work with him, or even praised Allen for being so in tune with women. (Allen continues to deny the allegations.)

During her speech, Winslet was slightly less vague while addressing her ties to Harvey Weinstein, who executive produced The Reader, a film which won her the Oscar for Best Actress in 2009.

Many actors, Winslet said, have been rewarded with "flourishing careers" for working with these esteemed "directors, producers and men of power." Before the #MeToo movement, "The message we received for years was that it was the highest compliment to be offered roles by these men."

But now, Winslet said, "It has become clear to me that by not saying anything, I might be adding to the anguish of many courageous women and men. Sexual abuse is a crime. While it rests with the rule of law to pass judgement, it lies with all of us to listen to the smallest of voices and to never stop listening."

She emphasized that, "nobody should be exempt from having a right to speak in support of vulnerable people," but also urged people to "not make this about which people express public regret and those who choose not to." Instead, Winslet suggested, "keep the focus on the terrible, secret crimes of abuse against vulnerable children, girls, women and indeed boys and men too."

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

While Winslet's words were more cautious and indirect than others who've spoken out against Allen and Weinstein, she raises an important point: Women should not be crucified for the crimes committed by the men they've worked with.

Complicity is a problem everyone needs to be held accountable for, regardless of gender. But women with ties to now disgraced Hollywood men are facing disproportionate scrutiny.

Alison Brie, for example, was asked to answer for the alleged misdeeds of her brother-in-law James Franco at the Screen Actor Guild Awards. And while headlines have focused on the likes of Winslet for not condemning Woody Allen, male actors who've worked with him -- like Owen Wilson and Hugh Jackman -- have largely gotten a free pass.

Ironically, Jude Law presented Winslet with the London Critics' Circle award. Like Winslet, he also starred in Allen's Wonder Wheel. Unlike Winslet, he has yet to be held accountable for his silence.