Gabrielle Union is speaking up to shed light on victim-blaming amid sexual assault allegations pressed against Harvey Weinstein. In a series of tweets, the actress explained the common reasons that force sexual assault victims to remain silent about the horror they have gone through.
She started out by saying that anyone can become a victim of sexual misconducts regardless of when or where they are. She added most victims are hesitant to come forward and share their own stories due to several reasons which rooted out of fear.
Ppl remain silent 4 many different very personal reasons. Judgment, victim shaming/blaming, loss of job/$, fear of violence, retaliation
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017
Folks are also very open and obvious about what kind of victim should be prioritized & believed. To think otherwise is to be willfully dim
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017
Actress recalls sexual assault experience in the wake of Weinstein scandal
The actress, who claimed to be a rape victim, said women should not be blamed for harassment on the basis of the way they dress up or present themselves.
In Hollywood meetings in homes, hotel lobbies/restaurants/suites, private isolated office space is the norm. NO ONE "ASKED FOR IT!!"
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017
Sexual or physical violence, harassment, demeaning language is NOT the price one should pay for seeking or maintaining employment. Period
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017
Gabrielle Union also recalled her own experience when a stranger sexually harassed her after robbing the store she was working for.
Reminder. I got raped at work at a Payless shoe store. I had on a long tunic & leggings so miss me w/ "dress modestly" shit.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017
Her online tirade came after Mayim Bialik's op-ed for the New York Times stirred outrage on social media for seemingly blaming the victims of harassment.
In the said editorial, titled "Being a Feminist in Harvey Weinstein's World," the actress and neuroscientist suggested that being a "perfect ten" woman in the Hollywood may increase the risk of getting sexually harassed.
'TBBT' star accused of victim-blaming
"In a perfect world, women should be free to act however they want," she explained.
"But our world isn’t perfect. Nothing — absolutely nothing — excuses men for assaulting or abusing women."
She continued, "If you are beautiful and sexy, terrific. But having others celebrate your physical beauty is not the way to lead a meaningful life."
Her op-ed earned mixed reactions from celebrities and fans alike, with some of them accusing her of victim-blaming. After the backlash was brought to her attention, Mayim Bialik released a statement to explain that her message was taken out of context.
The 41-year-old actress also denied that she implied to blame sexual assault victims for the horror they have experienced based on their clothing or behavior. The four-time Primetime Emmy nominee reiterated her desire to uplift and empower women as a proud feminist.
Being told my @NYTimes piece resonated w/ so many. Also see some have taken my words out of the context of the Hollywood machine. See below: pic.twitter.com/0NmxtAF1vP
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 15, 2017
Mayim Bialik, who is best known for her role as Amy Farah Fowler, has always been vocal about her opinions on societal issues that involve women. But despite her efforts to promote women, the actress has been mired in several controversies for speaking her mind on certain issues.
In fact, she was previously slammed for criticizing plus-sized models for posing naked just to prove their worth as women. In a video message, Mayim Bialik said there is no need for an individual to take off her clothes in the name of empowerment.
