October also happens to be the fifth year of the MeToo movement.
Since MeToo took off by storm, millions of people have spoken openly about their violence and abuse, and powerful voices have toppled several powerful abusers, including well-known actor Kevin Spacey and media mogul Harvey Weinstein.
How did these brave whistleblowers come forward? What is the situation of the perpetrators of the past now?
Ross McGowan
Ross McGowan, an actor, was one of the first women to publicly report sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein (producer, director, screenwriter, and one of the most influential figures in the American film industry), and for McGowan, it happened during the Sundance Film Festival in 1997.
In a statement at the time, Weinstein's lawyer denied the allegation. But then Weinstein received complaints from more than 80 women.
In a 2018 interview with Good Morning America, McGowan said: "You know, nobody spoke at the time, but for me, facts are facts... I'm pretty sure others are thinking about it as well (accusing Weinstein). ”
In February 2020, a New York court sentenced Harvey Weinstein to 23 years in prison for his rape conviction on two of five counts of sexual assault and more than 40 victims.
Donald trump
Former President Donald Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by at least 26 women, with charges ranging from touching to assault. Most of these were raised before the MeToo movement was in full swing, or during the first presidential campaign, and some date back to the 1970s.
That didn't stop Trump from taking the presidency in 2016. Trump and his team have repeatedly denied all allegations against him, and his career has not been affected. In 2020, he received more than 74 million votes, including nearly 45 percent of the female voter.
Last week, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election.
Johnny Depp
With Amber Heard
The dispute between actor Johnny De's ex-wife Amber Heard is one of the most complicated events in the MeToo movement.
Heard said that Depp was affected by alcohol and drug addiction, often abused her, and published "domestic violence and sexual assault allegations" in the Washington Post in 2018, which plunged Depp into the MeToo scandal.
Depp repeatedly denied the allegations, arguing that Hilde ruined his career and in turn filed defamation charges against Hilde. In June, the defamation case was finally verified, and Depp won the case and received $15 million in damages.
The dispute between the two continues to this day...
Anthony Rapp
Anthony Rapp is an American actor who, although he is male, also participated in the MeToo movement.
Five years ago, Rapp spoke openly about his sexual harassment by Kevin Spacey (famous actor, Oscar winner, representative "House of Cards" and "American Beauty") in 1986: he was 14 years old and Kevin Spacey was 26, "grabbed my hips, carried me to the bed, and pressed me down." ”
Rapp said he feared similar harassment would continue to occur if he didn't say anything, so he wanted to step up and do his part to change the situation.
Rapp also testified that he knew he was "not the only person Kevin Spacey had a crush on." All of Rapp's accusations against Spacey were completely denied by Spacey at trial.
Kevin Spacey faces 5 criminal charges related to sexual assault in the UK in addition to his legal battles in the United States, and his trial is expected to begin next year.
Rebecca Corey
Comedian Rebecca Corey was interviewed by The New York Times five years ago along with four other women to expose the sexual harassment of stand-up comedian Louis CK.
In an interview with Variety magazine in April, Corey said she was tired of being called a "victim," a "plaintant" or "one of five women who accused Louis CK of sexual misconduct." But she doesn't regret speaking the truth at the time.
Louis CK said in a statement in the MeToo movement at the time that his alleged actions were "real" and that he was "remorseful" for his actions. After two years of silence, Louis CK resumed his big tour and won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in April this year.