ANOTHER PUBLIC FIGURE has come forward with their own #MeToo story.
The #Metoo movement first gained public traction after actresses spoke out against Harvey Weinstein and has hit multiple industries since then. Just today, nuns spoke out against sexual assault they have experienced within the Catholic Church.
Back in the acting world, actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish spoke to Glamour magazine and revealed that as a teenager she was raped by a police cadet.
Speaking about the sexual assault, Tiffany said:
That whole experience put me in such a messed-up place for a long time, and I ended up going to counselling.
The actress said she reported the rape when it happened.
The incident occurred the night of her homecoming dance when Tiffany was only 17-years-old. She said that her rapist met her at a family member’s baseball game and had lied to her about his age.
On the night of her dance, the man offered her a lift to her house, but instead brought her to his home.
Tiffany explained what happened next:
We get to his place and I see, like, handcuffs and a police uniform and I’m like, ‘What’s that? Is that like a Halloween costume or something? And he’s like, ‘No I’m a cadet, I’m training to be in the police force. I want to end up being a police officer.’
Next thing I know, I’ve got one arm up in the handcuff, and he’s got me pinned down. He raped me, he was stronger than me. It was the worst feeling in the world.
For Tiffany, the experience was life-changing.
I notice that men are afraid of women that are aggressive. So to protect myself I become semi-aggressive. You hear about, ‘Tiffany always hitting on somebody,’ but that’s to keep them from hitting on me
Although Tiffany did not name her abuser in public, she explained why:
Me just yelling out people’s names with no thought behind it is pointless. I need a plan. I could be a voice, but what’s a voice going to do—just keep talking? Or is there action behind it.
Fans were supportive of Tiffany’s openness:
Tiffany Haddish is so inspiring for girls that share a lot of the experiences she’s had.
— mochacchino (@doitfordior) August 1, 2018
With others impressed by her strength
Tiffany Haddish has been through it, I applaud her for staying strong and not letting her past impact her career
— victoria 🇰🇪 (@cakesfahdays) August 1, 2018
You never know someone else's battle's. Be kind regardless. And 👏 to @TiffanyHaddish for bringing light to a very dark place. #METOO https://t.co/zeWcYSAzBL
— Bess James (@norris_bess) August 1, 2018
If you’ve been affected by any of the subject matter in this article then please contact one of the following organisations:
- Samaritans: Freephone 116 123; Text 087 260 9090; or Email jo@samaritans.ie
- Dublin Rape Crisis Centre: 1800 77 8888
- Women’s Aid: 1800 341 900
