Since the #MeToo movement went viral last autumn, Rose McGowan – who accuses Harvey Weinstein of raping her in the Nineties – has been one of the most prominent voices in the campaign. Over the course of her #MeToo activism, McGowan formed a friendship with fellow actor Asia Argento, who also says that she was raped by Weinstein. Together, the two women have been some of the most visible and outspoken proponents of the #MeToo movement.

But on 19 August, The New York Times published a report detailing allegations of sexual assault made against Argento by former child actor Jimmy Bennett – and a subsequent $380,o00 (£295,170) payoff. Although Argento initially denied ever having a sexual relationship with Bennett, who was 17 at the time of the alleged assault, texts leaked to TMZ later appeared to show her acknowledging that they had had sex. The story has prompted widespread discussions about the ways in which abuses of power can play out, and the dangers of believing simple stories about #MeToo heroes and villains.

Now, McGowan has released her first full-length statement about the allegations against Argento. In it, she expresses her sorrow at losing a friend, but emphasises that this case should not be allowed to derail the #MeToo movement.

“[T]he real focus should be on supporting justice. Supporting honesty. And supporting each other,” she writes, per Variety. “We cannot let this moment break the momentum of a movement that has freed so many people. We must use it to allow us to become stronger. More compassionate. More aware. And more organised.”

Rose McGowan calls on Asia Argento to “be the person you wish Harvey could have been”