There might not be a “Time’s Up” anti-sexual harassment movement if Rose McGowan hadn’t spoken out. The former Charmed star, 44, says she told people back in 1997 that movie producer Harvey Weinstein raped her (which he’s denied).

Now, the actress and activist tells Life & Style people are finally listening to her story after 20 years! “I’ve told people for 20 years,” Rose says. “I’ve talked for 20 years, and nobody would listen.”

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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

They’re listening now. Since The New York Times published a story in October featuring more than a dozen women accusing Harvey of sexual misconduct, countless people have stepped forward to break their silence about sexual harassment and assault.

Many have reached out privately to Rose. “Oh my God, you don’t even know the text messages,” she explains. “People tell you so much.”

Rose, who now describes herself as a director and author, recalls a time when she would freeze instead of fighting back. “You turn into a statue,” she says. “And there’s moments where I’m like, ‘I don’t ever have to be that statue again.’”

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