Ewa Aulin, Giuseppe Conte's mother-in-law: An actor jumped on me, but I didn't report it. The Mee Too has served to give us courage

Ewa Aulin, mother of Olivia Paladino and in-law of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, has spoken publicly about her experience working with director Tinto Brass on the 1967 film Col cuore in gola. The restored version of the movie will be shown during the Venice Film Festival’s pre-opening event this year. Aulin, who was just 17 when she starred alongside Jean-Louis Trintignant, described her early career as both thrilling and overwhelming. She began acting as a child, achieving small and large successes before deciding to step away from the industry at age 20. Her decision came after years of travel, work, and exhaustion, and following her husband’s disapproval of her profession. Aulin recounted how she felt fortunate to have worked with Tinto Brass, describing him as kind and supportive. He treated her like a father figure, which made her feel valued and respected. Despite the positive memories, she admitted that leaving the film world was difficult. She expressed regret over abandoning her career, particularly because she missed the creative expression it offered. “My work is missing, especially the need to express myself,” she said, reflecting on the emotional toll of stepping away from acting. In a revealing moment, Aulin detailed an incident that occurred during filming in Spain. An actor attempted sexual assault on her while she was alone in her room. According to her, the attacker tried to force himself upon her but failed. At the time, the makeup artist told her that no one would believe her story, especially since she was young and far from home. As a result, Aulin chose silence, believing it was the wisest course of action. However, she later realized that her decision had been misguided. “It wasn’t right,” she said, acknowledging the lasting impact of the experience. Aulin credited the #MeToo movement with giving women the courage to speak out against such abuses. She emphasized that today, victims would likely take legal action rather than remain silent. “The MeToo movement has served a purpose,” she stated. “Now, things are changing. I would have reported everything.” This sentiment reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes toward gender-based violence, particularly within the entertainment industry. Beyond her personal experiences, Aulin also shared her views on Giuseppe Conte, her son-in-law. She described him as a caring father and devoted partner, noting that he is well-suited for family life. When asked about his political career, she suggested that public discourse should be grounded in thorough research and understanding. “Before discussing politics, one must know, study, and inform oneself seriously,” she advised. Her comments highlight the intersection of personal history and public life, offering insight into the private sphere of a prominent political figure. Aulin’s reflections underscore the ongoing challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries and the importance of advocacy movements like #MeToo in fostering safer environments. As the Venice Film Festival approaches, her participation in the screening of Col cuore in gola serves as a poignant reminder of both her past and the progress made in addressing historical injustices.