In the past month, many sexual assault allegations have been placed against Hollywood’s most elite. This includes names like Harvey Weinstein, Ed Westwick, Kevin Spacey, Ben Affleck and most recently, Matt Lauer. This has affected the social ladder of television, politics, theatre and film. Our world of media as we know it has been flipped upside down right in front of us and, honestly, thank God for it (or whoever you choose to believe in, that’s cool). For so long, these men have found their way through a web of schemes and lies and climbed their way to the top, all while hurting several men and women along the way. Recently, though, several women and men have stepped forward, strong and brave, and accused their assaulter or rapist. And it’s high-time we acknowledge these people: the ones who have spoken and the ones who haven’t.
For the ones who have spoken, I thank you. Coming from someone who is going to enter that industry sooner rather than later, you have saved me. You have saved me from people who might have used me and made me feel like I was in the wrong one day. You have saved so many people just by sharing your story. You have given empowerment to people who felt like their stories were going to be hidden away forever as they watched these people continually prey on other people. You have served justice to people who had gotten away with their crimes for so long. Thank you so much for your voice. Thank you for wanting to be heard.
For the ones who have not spoken yet, it is okay. If you are still healing from the imprints of these people, you keep healing. We will be ready to hear your voice when you are ready. If that day never happens, it is okay. We are still rooting for you. Silence is sometimes heard more, so know that we are here to help. We are here to listen. We are here to comfort you during these times. I hope you know that you are not alone and that somewhere, someone else is going through what you went through. And I am genuinely happy that, even if you haven’t spoken and don’t plan to, someone is giving you a voice. Someone out there is giving a voice to the silent. And that is important. Take your time to heal, to process and to reflect because that is sometimes what needs to happen. And when you’re ready, we will be here. And we will be cheering for you.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, I adore you and I think you are worthy. You are strong. You are brave. And you deserve to have a voice. And I am fully rooting for you.