Saturday, September 22, 2018
Daryl Hannah, Ashley Judd, Lili Reinhart, More Share ‘#WhyIDidntReport’ Sexual Misconduct
Droves of people have taken to Twitter to share why they didn’t immediately report sexual misconduct at the time of the abuse — including Hollywood stars Daryl Hannah, Ashley Judd, “2 Broke Girls” creator Whitney Cummings, “Riverdale” star Lili Reinhart and more.
The hashtag “#WhyIDidntReport” trended on the platform Friday after President Trump cast doubt on Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser Christine Ford because she did not immediately report the alleged sexual assault at the time of the “attack” she said took place decades ago.
Trump tweeted: “I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents. I ask that she bring those filings forward so that we can learn date, time, and place!”
Also Read: Alyssa Milano Tells Donald Trump to 'Listen the F– Up' About Sexual Assault Reporting
People who identify as victims of sexual misconduct — along with their supporters — took Trump to task:
So #WhyIDidntReport I was 15. Raped by a drunk football player at a high school party. I was SURE my dad would shoot him if he knew and then my mom would be alone. I stayed in my room for days and cried to my cat. Didn't tell dad until like 20 years later after my rapist died.
— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) September 22, 2018
I did, it didn’t matter, I was dismissed, disparaged, & I still get blamed #WhyIDidntReport
— Daryl Hannah (@dhlovelife) September 21, 2018
#WhyIDidntReport. The first time it happened, I was 7. I told the first adults I came upon. They said “Oh, he’s a nice old man, that’s not what he meant.” So when I was raped at 15, I only told my diary. When an adult read it, she accused me of having sex with an adult man.
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) September 21, 2018
I had no idea assault wasn't okay because pop culture taught me that my body existed solely to be objectified and enjoyed by men and it
it didn't occur to me that I was allowed to even have a say in who touches my body until I was literally 30 years old. #WhyIDidntReport— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) September 21, 2018
Because I didn’t want to lose my job or make people think I was a drama queen. #WhyIDidntReport
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) September 21, 2018
I was 19. With a terrifying look in his eyes, he pinned me down, grabbed both my wrists with 1 hand & tried to unbutton my pants with another. I kicked him as hard as I could in the crotch and ran out. He didn’t actually rape me so I thought “nothing” happened. #WhyIDidntReport
— Meredith Salenger (@MeredthSalenger) September 21, 2018
Also Read: #DearProfessorFord: Hollywood Stars Back Brett Kavanaugh Accuser in Viral Video
One frequently-shared testimonial came from Atlanta journalist Thomas Roberts, who said he was sexually abused by a priest when he was just 14 years old:
I waited over 20 years to report my sexual abuser.
Because I was 14.
Because it was my hero.
Because it was my priest.
Because I thought I'd be expelled.
Because I feared no one would believe me.
Because I thought suicide was easier than telling 1 person#WhyIDidntReport— Thomas Roberts (@ThomasARoberts) September 21, 2018
Another journalist, David Leavitt, said he didn’t report sexual misconduct because “I was four, and he said he’d kill me.”
I was four, and he said he’d kill me. #WhyIDidntReport
— David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) September 21, 2018
Actress Alyssa Milano, who said she was sexually assaulted twice, responded directly to Trump, telling him to “listen the f— up… I never filed a police report and it took me 30 years to tell me parents.”
“Scandal” star Bellamy Young shared the hashtag, saying she didn’t report sexual misconduct because “I was too young to know it was wrong yet.”
Because I was too young to know it was wrong yet #WhyIDidntReport
I wrap my heart around everyone that this hashtag touches tonight. Keep yourselves safe. Do things in your own time. Love & respect yourself- because that is what you deserve. I stand w/you.#BelieveWomen
— Bellamy Young (@BellamyYoung) September 21, 2018
Related stories from TheWrap:
NBC News Chief Andy Lack Accused of Turning Blind Eye to Sexual Misconduct Claims
Michael Rapaport Fumes Over Ernie and Bert Sexuality Debate: ‘You Sick F—s, You!’ (Video)
Former LA Times Beijing Bureau Chief Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Accusations
Lily Allen Details Sexual Assault Accusation Against Music Exec: ‘I Felt Shame’
Source: the wrap feed
