Statement by National NOW President Christian F. Nunes
WASHINGTON–While Harvey Weinstein awaits the verdict in his second New York sex crimes trial, and Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial continues, while at the same time sexual assault charges against prominent, powerful men fill the headlines, it’s not enough to bring each and every abuser to justice. We must also change an unjust culture that glorifies toxic masculinity and gives permission to misogyny and sexual violence.
It’s a culture that doesn’t see women as a whole person and desensitizes people to violence, so the abuse remains constant. Even our courts are letting perpetrators use defamation lawsuits against survivors to silence them and prevent them from speaking out about abuse.
Whether it’s crimes of sexual violence committed by Harvey Weinstein, “Diddy” Combs, the self-described misogynist Tate brothers or the luxury real estate stars Alexander brothers, of course, women deserve justice.
The trials we’re watching in the news and the response from prominent abusers all include a narrative of victim blaming and male privilege. We must change the culture of abuse that lets abusers off the hook, persecutes victims, and fails women at every turn.