Truth, Power, and Accountability: Introducing Megan Twohey as a Public Intellectual

Unearthing the Truth 

The truth is fragile. In our world,  power often serves as a shield providing silence while the voices of the vulnerable are silenced. Drowned by wealth and influence, the truth can be buried, distorted, or even erased completely. However, from time to time we are blessed. An individual arises who refuses to let the truth disappear. This person sees beyond carefully constructed façades, and forces the world to confront something it would prefer to not notice. Someone who brings to light what others have left in the dark. Megan Twohey is one of those individuals, a unicorn in this day and age. 

Equipt with an unabated sense of justice, Twohey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to exposing abuses of power. She has cemented herself as one of the most influential investigative journalists of her generation. A piece scripted by Twohey delivers more than just the news, it dismantles the barriers that often keep controversies hidden. Decades of systemic misconduct have been excavated through her work, shattering the deafening silence that had surrounded some of the most acclaimed people within the entertainment industry. However, what makes Megan Twohey truly prodigious can been seen through analyzing the impact of her work. Twohey has arguably shifted societies' understanding of power dynamics, redefining them forever. She brought workplace dynamics, gender discrimination, and institutional complexities into the limelight in a way that had never been seen before.  

The Woman Behind the Breakthrough 

Megan Twohey is an investigative journalist who has become a household name throughout her career. Renowned for her fearless reporting on systemic abuses of power, Twohey has focused her reporting within the realm of power dynamics, often shedding light on inequity within the workplace and cases of sexual misconduct. In addition, she has brought significant attention to the concept of corruption that is embedded within elite corporations and institutions alike. She is best known for her groundbreaking New York Times exposé, co-authored with fellow journalist Jodi Kantor, which revealed shocking revelations of sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein, legendary Hollywood producer. Through the success of his company Miramax (later acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1993 for $60 million), and his following endeavor, The Weinstein Company, he had become a household name. His films were monumental, therefore so were the allegations against him. The severity of his wrongdoings were unfathomable, as were the efforts he made to cover up his indiscretions through large settlement agreements and non-disclosure agreements. The exposé sparked a widespread public interest in Weinstein himself as well as his victims and began to dismantle the taboo and fear surrounding conversations on the basis of sexual misconduct. Twohey's literary delivery opened the gates for a new movement that would cause a bombshell in American society, #MeToo. 

Megan Twohey's path to notoriety begins in her childhood, born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Evanston, Illinois. Her father John Twohey was a journalist, and left the Washington Post after covering the Watergate scandal, relocating to the Chicago Tribune where he was an editor. John's dedication to his craft is one that demonstrated the tenacity and moral rigor required in journalism. This familial influence installed a pragmatic yet unrelenting pursuit of justice within her. She attended Georgetown University and embarked on a career that began at Reuters and continued on at the Chicago Tribune. Her investigations took her everywhere from Milwaukee to Moscow, Russia. Eventually, she settled at the New York Times, where she became a pivotal figure in the modern investigative landscape.  What followed was a career defined by courage, integrity, and unshakable commitment to uncovering the truth. 

Her Investigative Journalism 

So, how did Megan accomplish this difficult feat, dismantling a Hollywood icon, igniting a global movement that shook the world, all while achieving personal notoriety? Well, her writing style is very distinct, poignant yet purposeful. Blending meticulous investigative rigor with compelling storytelling makes her articles informative yet deeply impactful. Twohey possesses an ability to articulate personal stories in a comprehensible way that puts the facts at the forefront of the argument, as opposed to prioritizing pathos. She veers clear of the dramatic, despite her primary topic of interest being the cinematic arts industry! Her intention is not to win over the sympathy of the reader through relaying emotionally laden tales that trigger a cursory response. Rather, Twohey aims to present factual information about a highly sensitive topic in a way that simply activates the reader's moral compass. 

Unlike sensationalist journalism that may rely on hyperbole or overt editorializing, she employs a measured, fact driven approach that speaks for itself, allowing the weight of the evidence she uncovers to create an undeniable case. Her 2017 exposé on Harvey Weinstein co-authored with Jodi Cantor,  Harvey Weinstein Paid off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades is a hallmark of her approach, presenting airtight arguments through veritable facts, ensuring that her work withstands scrutiny. The article was laden with incredibly graphic evidence provided by accusers and corroborated by their peers through stories with similar underlying themes. Actress Ashley Judd was the ringleader, the first to put her hand on the line and share her story that began in 1997 while shooting a Weinstein Companies film, "Kiss the Girls". 

“Movies were also his private leverage. When Mr. Weinstein invited Ms. Judd had breakfast in Beverly Hills. She had been shooting the thriller “Kiss the Girls” all night, but the meeting seemed too important to miss. After arriving at the hotel lobby, she was surprised to learn that they would be talking in his suite; she decided to order cereal, she said, so the food would come quickly and she could leave. Mr. Weinstein soon issued invitation after invitation, she said. Could he give her a massage? When she refused, he suggested a shoulder rub. She rejected that too, she recalled. He steered her toward a closet, asking her to help pick out his clothing for the day, and then toward the bathroom. Would she watch him take a shower? she remembered him saying. “I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new question,” Ms. Judd said. “It was all this bargaining, this coercive bargaining.” To get out of the room, she said, she quipped that if Mr. Weinstein wanted to touch her, she would first have to win an Oscar in one of his movies. She recalled feeling “panicky, trapped,” she said in the interview. “There’s a lot on the line, the cachet that came with Miramax” said Judd". - Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, The New York Times

Here, we see Twohey present a very telling account from a survivor of sexual harassment. The continual demands Judd faced in this instance with Weinstein, such as "could he give her a massage", or if not “a shoulder rub” demonstrate the inappropriate maneuvers he would use in order to intrap vulnerable young women. She feared that she would have to "watch him take a shower” as he proceeded to "steer her toward the bathroom", an uncomfortable prospect that she had already personally experienced. Furthermore, Judd touches on the tactics and maneuvers that she would personally employ as a defense mechanism, such as stating that “if Weinstein wanted to touch her, she would have to win an Oscar in one of his movies". Judd demonstrated a ruthless bravery that other actresses fell prey to, she would not give in to his advances in order to be in his good graces.

As the article progresses, we proceed to read similar stories in slightly different fonts. For example, another incident at the Peninsula in Beverly Hills occurred two decades later echoing Judd's claim that "There's a lot on the line, the cachet that came with Miramax". 

“In 2014, Mr. Weinstein invited Emily Nestor, who had worked just one day as a temporary employee, to the same hotel and made another offer: If she accepted his sexual advances, he would boost her career, according to accounts she provided to colleagues who sent them to Weinstein Company executives".  - Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, The New York Times.

Nestor's account captures an essential dynamic that threads together these accounts, the transactional relationship defined by Weinstein, reinforcing the power he possessed over these women. They each entered a hotel room fearful and intimidated, yet hopeful and even honored to be offered a one-on-one meeting with him, as he was the chairman of the most powerful studio in Hollywood. A moment of his time could be monumental in launching their career. Weinstein leveraged this vulnerability, choosing that specific environment as one where he proposed a deal: sex acts in exchange for a career boost.

Although all of these accounts are relayed in the same manner, one with precision, narrative clarity, and emotional restraint. In turn, her reporting is both compelling and authoritative, ensuring that the facts speak for themselves while allowing the weight of the survivors' voices to take center stage. This passage is not just a piece of reporting- it is an undeniable record of institutional power abuse, making it impossible for readers, industry insiders, or legal systems to ignore. And they didn't. Just like that, the one journalist broke the internet, and the #Metoo  movement was born. 

Shifting the Balance of Power and the Rise of Megan Twohey's Platform

 Harvey Weinstein Paid off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades was a turning point for Weinstein and Twohey alike, however in completely contrasting ways. As the conversation around Weinstein began to spiral and dominate public discourse, a new dynamic was at play. One where a woman yielded the power, and a man was in a position of vulnerability. All of a sudden, the world became more interested in what this woman had to say, and the stories of other women relayed through her writing. What began as an exposé, evolved into something else entirely. Megan Twohey had created a platform for women, both literally and figuratively. 

In the days preceding the release of the original expose on October 5th, 2017, Twohey's newly established platform became reinforced through the events that transpired. The reaction sparked by her exposé was nothing short of extraordinary, and the New York Times documented this phenomenon every step of the way.  On October 6th 2017, an article titled Company Scrambles as Weinstein Takes Leave and a Third of the Board Resigns was published. Within merely 24 hours, the magnitude of the truth became evident to the entertainment industry and America. By October 7th 2017, Weinstein's lawyer Lisa Bloom was forced to resign. On October 8th, 2017 history was made. Megan Twohey revealed to the world of a new revelation, an outcome she had been working towards for three years through tedious investigative efforts, Harvey Weinstein is Fired After Sexual Harassment Reports.  On October 10th, 2017, Gweneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, two of Hollywood's starlets who blossomed through Weinstein films came forward with claims of sexual harassment in an article titled Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Others Say Weinstein Harassed Them. Paltrow relayed her traumatizing encounter with Weinstein that occured when she was at the brink of starting her career. Her experience echoed that of Ashley Judd's quite closely. 

“When Gwyneth Paltrow was 22 years old, she got a role that would take her from actress to star: The film producer Harvey Weinstein hired her for the lead in the Jane Austen adaptation “Emma.” Before shooting began, he summoned her to his suite at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel for a work meeting that began uneventfully. It ended with Mr. Weinstein placing his hands on her and suggesting they head to the bedroom for massages, she said.“I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified,” she said in an interview, publicly disclosing that she was sexually harassed by the man who ignited her career and later helped her win an Academy Award. She refused his advances, she said, and confided in Brad Pitt, her boyfriend at the time. Mr. Pitt confronted Mr. Weinstein, and soon after, the producer warned her not to tell anyone else about his come-on. “I thought he was going to fire me,” she said". - Jodi Kantor and Rachel Abrams, The New York Times.

Jolie shared her experience further echoing that of Paltrow's. 

“I had a bad experience with Harvey Weinstein in my youth, and as a result, chose never to work with him again and warn others when they did,” Ms. Jolie said in an email. “This behavior towards women in any field, any country is unacceptable.” -- Jodi Kantor and Rachel Abrams, The New York Times.

Through the bold decision to come forward in unison, Paltrow and Jolie solidified the standing of this platform. Reading their names amidst their fellow accusers was monumental, as they were the most famous actresses to do so at that time. If Gwyneth and Angelina could come forward and take that risk, anyone could. Everyone could. And many more did. 

Twohey's Emergence as a Public Intellectual 

Twohey's investigative work did not just expose Weinstein, it dismantled the fear that had long silenced survivors. When action was taken on October 7th, 2017 removing him from his own company, an astounding message was sent. Justice was possible, and power dynamics that had protected predators for decades were beginning to shift. Women who had once felt isolated in their experiences now had a platform where they could speak their truth without fear of retaliation. Twohey's reporting provided more than just a moment of reckoning, it created a movement of accountability.  One that encouraged survivors to step out of the shadows into a space where they could be heard, believed and supported.

 This commitment to elevating silenced voices and forcing societal reflection is precisely what defines Twohey as a public intellectual. Professor Stephen Mack offers insight on the characteristics one must possess in order to be granted the title of a public intellectual in his August 2007 Op-Ed titled The Decline of Public Intellectuals?. Mack argues that there must be a shift from “categories and class” to “function” when analyzing the identity of someone who makes scholarly contributions for the benefit of greater society. Furthermore, he states that “our notions of the public intellectual need to focus less on who or what a public intellectual is-and by extension, the qualifications for getting and keeping the title".  Here, he contends that the essence of public intellectualism is not found in credentials, titles or institutional affiliations.  Rather, its core is found within the actual work being done to advance public discourse and challenge systems of power.  Mack furthers his argument by offering a tangible solution: "we need to be more concerned with the work public intellectuals must do, irrespective of who happens to be doing it”. Megan Twohey's dedication to morality, coupled with her fearless investigative rigor, has firmly established her as a public intellectual—one who not only uncovers the truth but also forces society to confront uncomfortable realities, challenge entrenched norms, and demand meaningful change. 

As Stephen Mack argues in The Decline of Public Intellectuals?, a public intellectual is not defined by their status, but by their function. Is this "public intellectual” able to challenge prevailing ideologies and reshape public discourse? His op-ed offers a path to a clear distinction between one who publishes literary work for societal consumption, and one who publishes work with the intention of evoking a societal awakening. Twohey did not merely report on injustice; she forced the world to confront it. Her work did not stay confined to the pages of The New York Times. Rather, it reshaped cultural attitudes, influenced corporate policies, and set new legal precedents. Through her fearless pursuit of the truth, she has proven that journalism can be one of the most powerful tools for societal change. 

Scale of Impact

In 2018, the magnitude of Megan Twohey’s contributions to society were recognized on the international stage. She, alongside Jody Canter and Ronan Farrow received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. The Pulitzer Board commended their explosive, impactful journalism that exposed powerful and wealthy sexual predators. This accolade underscores the profound public service rendered by their investigative reporting, which not only held figures accountable but also spurred widespread discussions on sexual harassment and power dynamics. Twohey's contributions exemplify the public intellectual's duty to use their platform to affect meaningful social change.

 Building upon their investigative work, Megan Twohey and Jody Kantor co-authored, She Said, a comprehensive account of their Weinstein investigation and its dramatic aftermath. She Said delves into the challenges they faced, the resistance from powerful entities, and the broader implications of their findings. Fellow NYT Journalist Susan Faludi announced the publication of their novel on September 8th, 2019, reviewing her take-aways. 

“The author's new information is less about the man and more about his surround sound complicity machine of board members and lawyers, human resource officers and P.R. Flaks, tabloid publishers and entertainment reporters who kept him rampaging with impunity years after his behavior had become an open secret. Kanto and Twohey instinctively understand the dangers of the Harvey-as-Monster storyline and the importance of refocusing our attention on structures of power". -Susan Faludi, The New York Times 

She Said only furthered Twohey's underlying goal of normalizing the conversation surrounding misconduct and bringing wrongdoings to light. The book included excerpts from the stories of over 80 survivors who had come forward over the course of the 5 years of their investigation. She Said not only reinforced the importance of accountability but also inspired future generations to pursue truth and justice, aligning with Stephen Mack's emphasis on the functional roles of public intellectuals in promoting democratic values. 

On October 13th 2022, the film adaptation of She Said was released as a motion picture by Universal Pictures. Directed by Maria Schrader and starring Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan, the film was a smashing success. Twohey and Kantor's groundbreaking journalism was brought to a wider audience, reinforcing the lasting impact of their work and providing a gripping and accessible portrayal of the power of investigative journalism. the persistence, ethical dilemmas, and institutional obstacles that they faced were highlighted. She Said served as a cultural and historical record, ensuring that the lessons of the #Metoo movement remained relevant beyond headlines and new cycles. In addition, it immortalized the courage of survivors who came forward and underscored the world of journalism and holding the powerful accountable. The film also reflected Twohey's own commitment to amplifying women's voices across multiple platforms, proving that her work transcends print journalism and extends into broader public discourse. Transforming her reporting into a cinematic narrative ensured that the conversation she helped spark would continue to inform, inspire and demand change for years to come. 

The Power of #Metoo

Megan Twohey's exposé on Harvey Weinstein in The New York Times was more than just a breakthrough, it was a cultural reckoning. the impact was immediate and far-reaching, leading to his removal from his phone company and ultimately sparking the global #Metoo movement. By exposing not just Weinstein's crimes but also the systemic complicity that allowed them to continue, Twohey redefined the power of investigative journalism. Her works  declared a message, the old rules that protected the powerful no longer applied.

 She did not stop at Hollywood.  She turned her attention to politics, where power and misconduct often intersect in her 2018 exposé titled Porn Star Was Reportedly Paid to Stay Quiet About Trump. Twohey was one of the first journalists to take Stormy Daniels’ allegations against Donald Trump seriously, reporting on the hush money payments that were later investigated as violations of campaign finance law. At the time, Trump's team dismissed the accusations as irrelevant. However,  Twohey's reporting reframed the case as one of corruption, coercion, and the abuse of legal systems to silence women. Her work legitimized these accusations,  elevating Daniels’ case from a tabloid scandal to a central legal issue that contributed to Trump's eventual conviction as a felon in 2024.

 Twohey also investigated financial advisor and industry titan Jeffrey Epstein, exposing the vast network of enablers who protected the financier despite Decades of allegations in sexual exploitation. The reporting showed how Epstein leveraged his wealth and political connections to evade justice using settlements and intimidation quite similar to Weinstein. Her work helped dismantle the illusion of untouchability that surrounded Epstein leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction before his death. Just as she did in Hollywood and politics she forced the public to confront how wealth and power has insulated predators from consequences for far too long.

 Most recently, her December 21st, 2024 report titled ‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine exposed a vulgar smear campaign against actress Blake Lively, orchestrated by actor and producer Justin Baldoni. Lively accused him of serious accounts of sexual harassment and misconduct on the set of the 2024 film, It Ends With Us. This latest investigation proves Twohey's commitment to exposing power and balances in the workplace and the entertainment industry has not wavered. By continuing to amplify the voices of survivors, she ensures that the accountability demanded by the #Metoo movement does not fade with time.  Her journalism remains a crucial force in shaping industry standards and holding powerful figures responsible for their actions.

 Megan Twohey’s work has reshaped how society views power corruption and accountability. From Hollywood to politics, finance and beyond she has forced systemic change in industries that once operated in secrecy. Individuals who once dominated their respective industries have been held accountable. Harvey Weinstein was convicted on February 24th, 2020, Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts on May 30th, 2024 , and Jeffery Epstein passed away while incarcerated on August 10th, 2019.  Her fearless reporting has led to convictions, policy reforms, and cultural shifts that have empowered survivors to come forward and create meaningful change. She is not just an investigative journalist, she is a public intellectual whose work serves as a driving force in the fight for the truth, compelling society to confront its deepest and justices and take action.