by Maddie Levans
In the past few weeks, both women and men have come forward to share experiences they have had with sexual assault. Accusations began when Harvey Weinstein was accused in early October of assaulting an actress. Since then, people all over the nation are sharing their stories.
As of November 1, 76 actresses have accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Notable actresses such as Kate Beckinsale, Cara Delevingne, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, Lupita Nyong’o, Daryl Hannah, and Gwyneth Paltrow have detailed various encounters with Weinstein. Weinstein released a statement about the accusations describing his behavior as a reflection of the times that he grew up in. He said, “that was the culture then.” Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, an Italian model, even recorded a conversation with Weinstein during a NYPD investigation, in which Weinstein can be heard admitting to assaulting Gutierrez.
Kevin Spacey was accused of making sexual advances on Anthony Rapp, Broadway actor, when Rapp was only 14. Others have come out about their encounters with Spacey, which range from physical assault to the actor exposing himself to them. Following the release of Rapp’s statement, Spacey released a statement stating that he owes Rapp “the sincerest apology,” and that he now will “live as a gay man.” Zachary Quinto, an actor and spokesman for the LGBT+ community, took to Twitter to express his discontent, saying that Spacey’s coming out was a way for him to “deflect attention” from the accusation.
in a shocking turn of events, Marilyn Manson has kicked original lead guitarist Twiggy Ramirez, a/k/a Jeordie White, out of his band after accusations from an ex-girlfriend accuse White of rape. Jessicka Addams, who was in a relationship with White and made the accusations, cited physical altercations between the two. She explained the domestic violence she faced during their relationship, which involved physical and psychological abuse.
Alice Glass, former vocalist for the indie electronic group Crystal Castles, also came out about her experience with abuse from her former band mate Ethan Kath. She went into detail about her abusive relationship that started when she was 15, when he was 25. after years of abuse, Glass left the band in 2014 and, inspired by the bravery of others who had come out with their experiences as of late, decided to take to Twitter to address the issue head on.
John Besh, a New Orleans based restaurant owner, has been accused of ignoring and committing over 25 cases of sexual assault from past and current employees during his time as co-executive chair of the Besh Restaurant Group. Those who have come forward with the reports were either shunned or had their jobs threatened. As of November 2nd, John Besh has stepped down as co-chair of the Besh Restaurant Group amid these accusations.