Alyssa Milano Starts #MeToo Rally To Urge People To Share Their Sexual Harassment Stories On Twitter
Alyssa Milano initiated a Twitter campaign to join her cause, urging her followers and millions of people using the microblogging platform to share their stories about sexual harassment and assault through the hashtag #MeToo.
The campaign, which began on Sunday, started trending on Twitter in the United States after the 44-year-old former Charmed actress urged people who experienced sexual harassment in any form to show the world the magnitude of the problem.
“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted, write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet,” the former Who’s the Boss? star wrote.
In the post, Alyssa Milano shared how a friend of hers suggested that people who had the same experience would finally shed some light to the enormity of the problem after dozens of women came forward with their stories on the Harvey Weinstein rape and sexual harassment scandal.
According to Entertainment Tonight, #MeToo took off almost immediately after Milano’s fellow celebrities who are active on social media, including Broadway actor Javier Munoz, responded to her Tweet.
“I don’t know if it means anything coming from a gay man but it has happened. Multiple times,” the 41-year-old Alexander Hamilton portrayer wrote.
Also, Debra Messing, Ali Fedotowsky-Manno, Sophia Bush, Evan Rachel Wood, and Anna Paquin all responded with #MeToo without explaining how and when they experienced such traumatic experiences.
Since then, the hashtag has #MeToo taken off, with people sharing their unique and equally traumatic experiences with sexual harassment.
I reported a sexual harassment. Within a year he was given a promotion – I wasn't the last one but he's still employed there. #MeToo
— Lee Ann Burkart (@burkart_lee) October 16, 2017
I'll never forget the horrible time when my friends brother slapped and grabbed my behind while he was drunk. It made me feel GROSS
— Jessica (@MamaJess86) October 16, 2017
#MeToo Harassed when walking my dog. Told I was too fat, but they'd do me anyway. Followed me until I flagged someone down. Enough.
— JASG (@rescuemama25) October 16, 2017
#MeToo Pushed against a wall in UK when only 14 years old. Frightening. But the female police took him the day after.
— Ami Skånberg D (@AmiMurasaki) October 16, 2017
I was 8.It took 'til 32 to say, It's not my fault inside,then 'til 45 to say it out loud w/o shame/guilt. I was 8.It was NOT my fault.#MeToo
— Maria Chambers (@MChambers5) October 16, 2017
Others even applauded those who participated in the campaign, commending their courage to stand against molesters and sex offenders.
We have individually been sexually assaulted multiple times. We stand in solidarity with sexual assault victims, always. #MeToo
— The Menstrual Cramps (@M_cramps) October 16, 2017
Aside from the #MeToo campaign, Alyssa Milano also wrote an opinion piece, breaking down her comment on the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal in the Patriot Not Partisan.
“This is a sick culture,” the 44-year-old actress wrote.
“Men like Harvey Weinstein are around every corner. Men who undermine women and their strength, ability and intelligence exist everywhere.”
Citing the worrying statistics that one in three women have experienced sexual harassment in their workplace, the Mistress star emphasized that Harvey Weinstein is not the only person who has acted questionably and that she is among the people who “fight for women’s rights.”
“I am constantly part of this conversation even if I don’t publicly comment on specific scandals. Sexual harassment and assault in the workplace are not just about Harvey Weinstein. We must change things in general. We must do better for women everywhere.”
In Harvey Weinstein’s case alone, dozens of women — some of whom are known celebrities like British star Lysette Anthony — have spoken up and revealed their stories on sexual harassment and rape.
Alyssa Milano sparks Twitter outpouring with request that women respond "me too" if they have been sexually harassed https://t.co/VcoMjXvtBR pic.twitter.com/8P5n0swINl
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 16, 2017
Aside from Milano, Charmed alum Rose McGowan is also working to shed some light on the gravity of sexual harassment in Hollywood as she becomes the strongest voice against Weinstein, based on a previous report from the Inquisitr.
What do you think of Alyssa Milano’s #MeToo campaign on Twitter? Sound off in the comments below.
[Featured Image by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images]
