“The #MeToo movement is about women feeling empowered and supporting each other enough to feel safe having the tough conversations necessary while revealing something as devastating as sexual violence.”
As more familiar names in entertainment and politics continue making headlines after allegations of sexual misconduct, the United States has gotten the sense that time really is up for perverts. Personally, I will never question the validity of a sexual assault claim made by a woman because it’s one of the hardest things to live with. There are many factors in play when it comes to speaking out against men who are sexually violent towards women and girls.
In the case of Hollywood, we have seen that some simply accept hush money and go about their rich merry ways. Others have slept their way to the top and harbor serious regret while reflecting on life and make the decision that appearing on the casting couch should be considered rape.
The only thing worse than all of Hollywood harboring disgusting creeps like Harvey Weinstein is random women making false allegations. Enter the unfortunate case of Aziz Ansari. The actor and comedian was recently outed by a woman who hasn’t been publicly identified. His crime? He enjoys some weird things in the bedroom.
The two went out to dinner before going back to Ansari’s place of residence, where things obviously took a very adult turn. Although the woman engaged in sexual acts with Ansari, she claims that she was uncomfortable doing so. She also accused him of violating her because he failed to follow her “nonverbal cues” to stop his sexual advances.
As a woman, I am appalled to see innocent men being dragged through the mud. Aziz Ansari did not sexually assault that woman. They went on a date, she chose to go back to his place, she willingly performed sexual acts on him, and allowed him to do the same. Where is the disconnect? She gave a whole interview claiming that it was a horrible night. I have no doubt in my mind that the date was unsuccessful. I also have no doubt in my mind that the woman did nothing to stop the sexual advances made by Ansari. What is a “nonverbal cue” anyway?
This movement has officially gotten out of hand. The #MeToo movement is about women feeling empowered and supporting each other enough to feel safe having the tough conversations necessary while revealing something as devastating as sexual violence. Aziz Ansari not only responded to the woman’s text messages the day after their date to apologize for the fact that she didn’t have a good time, he released a statement in the wake of the public allegations reiterating that the encounter was consensual.
Ansari held no power over this woman, nor did he force her to participate in sexual activity. The man even called her an Uber when she was ready to go home. She reported crying in shame during the ride home because she felt so violated. I’m not buying it. This was clearly a bad date and a woman who was disappointed that Ansari expected sex which she voluntarily gave him. There were many ways to prevent her morning after regret and she did not do a single one of them.
She doesn’t get to jump on the bandwagon.