Producer Harvey Weinstein has recently been confronted with allegations of sexually harassing women in Hollywood. A torrent of women have begun stepping forward to acknowledge their stories of how Harvey Weinstein sexually harassed them and abused his power.
Tragically, stories of men in high power positions exploiting women are not unusual in our society.
But recently, the topic of male exploitation received attention when Terry Crews contributed to the dialogue surrounding sexual assault in the entertainment industry tweeting about how he was groped by a separate prominent figure in Hollywood.
His tweets read:
This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME.
My wife n I were at a Hollywood function last year n a high level Hollywood executive came over 2 me and groped my privates.
Jumping back I said What are you doing?! My wife saw everything n we looked at him like he was crazy. He just grinned like a jerk.
I was going to kick his ass right then— but I thought twice about how the whole thing would appear.
“240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho” would be the headline the next day.
Only I probably wouldn’t have been able to read it because I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL. So we left.
That night and the next day I talked to everyone I knew that worked with him about what happened.
He called me the next day with an apology but never really explained why he did what he did.
I decided not 2 take it further becuz I didn’t want 2b ostracized— par 4 the course when the predator has power n influence.
I let it go. And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go.
Who’s going 2 believe you? ( few) What r the repercussions?(many) Do u want 2 work again? (Yes) R you prepared 2b ostracized?
I love what I do. But it’s a shame and the height of disappointment when someone tries to takes advantage of that.
Hollywood is not the only business we’re this happens, and to the casualties of this behavior— you are not alone.
Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless.
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation applauds the bravery of all who have spoken out and calls for greater awareness that sexual exploitation impacts both men and women.
The sexual harassment or abuse of any person—male or female—is systemic in Hollywood culture, from rampant allegations against those in power to sexually violent content they create.
We commend every female who has spoken out against abuses they experienced from Harvey Weinstein, along with Terry Crews for his public comments recognizing a sexually aggressive act that was committed against him.
All sexual harassment or abuse is a crime that thrives on silence.
Terry Crews’ bravery to acknowledge his experiences is particularly important because research shows that male reports of sexual abuse are met with more distrust than female’ reports, and societal attitudes often discredit males.
By speaking out, Terry Crews helps give voice to countless boys and men across the country who have yet to disclose their own experiences. It’s time to bring all sexual exploitation out of the shadows.
