There has been a flood of Twitter movements lately, especially with Hollywood boycotting the site with the hashtag #WomenBoycottTwitter. But Alyssa Milano has returned with a new powerful movement.
The Charmed actress tweeted a call-to-action asking people to talk about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment with the hashtag #MeToo.
If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
Her tweet has been shared 14,000+ times and received almost 40,000 replies from followers around the world. It has become one of the top trending topics on the social media platform with other sufferers continuing the discussion.
Other celebrities such as her Charmed co-star Rose McGowan, Debra Messing, Anna Paquin and more have shared their experiences and responded with Milano’s hashtag.
Me too.
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) October 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/DebraMessing/status/919668578357452800
Me too
— Anna Paquin (@AnnaPaquin) October 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/919814464433561600
McGowan was mentioned recently in The New York Times, unfolding sexual misconduct claims against Harvey Weinstein. Milano originally did not talk about the Weinstein scandal as she is friends with his ex-wife Georgina Chapman. She said, “Please don’t confuse my silence for anything other than respect for a dear friend and her beautiful children.”
But she did eventually make a statement about the exposure on her website Patriot Not Partisan, stating that she was “sickened” and “angered” about the accusations of Weinstein’s predatory nature.
“I’m happy – ecstatic even – that it has opened up a dialogue around the continued sexual harassment, objectification and degradation of women.”
“To the women who have suffered any form of abuse of power, I stand beside you. To the women who have come forward against a system that is designed to keep you silent, I stand in awe of you and appreciate you and your fortitude.”
“Your strength will inspire others. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for fighting this battle so hopefully my daughter won’t have to,” her poignant article read.
Her #MeToo movement had shed some light on individuals’ experiences with sexual harassment and assault. Some have openly vocalised their suffering before but others are now coming forward for the first time to speak out.
This. #MeToo https://t.co/oYiyeMxvuy
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 15, 2017
Those who are participating in the #MeToo movement show that literally anyone can be a victim and we probably know more survivors than we originally thought.
While it is appalling that the number of victims is so high, it is also positive that it is generating a new wave of discussion that wasn’t there before. It shows that sexual harassment and violence is a serious and widespread crisis that is not just limited to Hollywood.
Men,
Don't say you have a mother, a sister, a daughter…
Say you have a father, a brother, a son who can do better.
We all can.#MeToo
— Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) October 16, 2017
It is fantastic that someone like Alyssa Milano can use her influence to start a much-needed discussion which shows just how prevalent this issue is. We thank her for her honesty and authenticity by standing with the victims.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment and/or assault, please know that you are not alone. If you’re not ready to speak about it, that is fine as we all deal with trauma differently. But when you are ready, please know that you are not on your own and there are others to support you.
Join the discussion over at @CelebMix.