We seem to be in a new Savilesque claimstorm at the moment and whilst I have no doubt that men in power abuse their position (and have always done so), I am concerned at some of the attitudes expressed.
I am no friend of Michael Gove, but the fact he was made to grovel for making an aside about Weinstein on the Today programme worries me greatly.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politic ... stein-joke
I don't think he was criticising or belittling the experience of anyone - and the fact that "others" immediately jump in to condemn his remark suggests that it has joined the list of subjects "too precious" to be mentioned, unless with hand-wringing tut-tuttery. At the same time I query the motives of some who join the band-wagon, particularly when they use an example to push their own agenda - such as the lady who suggested that "This kind of thing will continue whilst men are allowed to remain in positions of power"
I do not doubt the overall assertions of the many who have come forward - power corrupts and absolute power, etc., - but nor do I fully accept the claims until they have been investigated. I also object to the suggestion that examining someone's claim of abuse is in any way denying it, or querying why it has taken so long for someone to come forward is "extending the abuse". Weinstein's case seems to be a specific example of something that has been rumoured for years, alongside the romours that so-and-so "slept her way to the top", etc., etc. Many paths can lead to the same destination.
I used to do the photography for a friend of mine who had a short-lived taste of stardom in the 80s. I recall in one session that he confessed to me that he had discovered that a girl he had been dating was only 15 years old. Having met them briefly one night, it was a surprise to me - and obviously to him too as he swore he had immediately stopped seeing her. Our paths have diverged, he's no longer in the business but has forged himself a career elsewhere. I wonder if he worries that she might now come forward and accuse him of abuse and/or paedophilia? Or how he would now defend himself? Nowadays, it seems he should have demanded to see her birth certificate and/or for her to sign an affidavit in blood......
Life is rarely as simple as it seems, not all monsters are as monstrous as they seem at first sight, nor are all victims as innocent. For those who were abused, I hope that they get justice, but I would also hope that there is some justice for those who are wrongly accused too.... and for those who seek to exploit a bad situation for their own ends.