SEXUAL ASSAULT SCANDALS

Accusations have floated round their names for decades but their power has always given them a way out. Finally after years of being silenced, the victims of these assaulters feel the power to come forward. Daring photographer Terry Richardson is facing allegations from over 15 different women over the last decades while Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein faces allegations from over 80 victims that stretch back to the early 90s.

Richardson is known for his ‘rogue’ photography that has often been criticised for being too pornographic. His models often complain about his photography techniques as making them highly uncomfortable. He has been accused of getting his penis out behind the camera before forcing models to perform oral sex on him against their will. He strongly denies the allegations but the fact that all the models who have accused him share the same or similar stories provides a basis for a strong case against him. Photographers such as Mario Testino have also been accused of abusing their position of power of models as their mentality enables them to feel that the models are almost like their toys rather than people.

As for Weinstein, the sheer scale of the allegations against him, and similarity of the stories, provide enough evidence to confirm the fact that he is a rapist. The stories make the skin crawl and remind me of the Jimmy Saville scandal. Although, Saville assaulted children and people with disabilities, the scandal links to Weinstein’s where these ‘national treasures’ have been protected by large companies whose interests are to silence any victims so as to avoid bad publicity.

The documentary ‘Citizen Rose’ provides an insight in to hollywood star Rose McGowan’s story of sexual assault by Weinstein. She alleged that Weinstein raped her in a hotel room when she was in the midst of making her second film for him. The documentary not only follows these allegations but also provides an insight in to the over sexualisation of actress’ and young women all around the world. Her message is one that supports speaking up against any sort of sexual harassment whether it be a wolf whistle or rape; she is also a main supporter in the #MeToo movement that supports women in speaking up for assault especially in the workplace. Movements like these are integral to bringing awareness to monstrosities like these that happen all the time everywhere. It makes me sick to know that in 2017 we still face the same disgusting threats that should never have even begun in the first place. Feminism needs to be taken more seriously around the world; it’s time that campaigns such as #FreeTheNipple and ending the gender pay gap need to become things of the past so females can have the future we deserve.