Actor George Takei was accused of sexual assault by Scott Brunton last year, but he has now changed his account. Bruton had accused Takei of spiking his drinks and groping him way back in 1981. However, in an investigative piece published by the Observer, the survivor has admitted that he did not remember any sexual touching from the Star Trek actor. The report also finds stark inconsistencies in Branton’s recollections of the encounter over these past few months. It is clear that something happened between Takei and Brunton on that night. However, with inconsistencies in his accounts, and other arguments presented in the article, we cannot be sure whether it was predatory in nature or not.
Now that it seems that the LGBT rights activist may be innocent after all, perhaps people must share this news as much as they shared that of allegations against him.
We must share acquittal as passionately as we share allegations of sexual assault
Many people believe that endorsing this piece of information may lead to victim blaming. It will also invite further criticism from those who think of #MeToo Movement as a witch hunt against men. Not sharing this news will project it as purely an accusatory initiative which is only interested in defaming men, and not seeking justice.
#MeToo is like a giant ripple which if left unchecked, may cause more damage to our cause, than doing good. There are numerous sexual encounters which cannot be classified as downright predatory. The murky encounters where words like consent, abuse, bad sexual encounter, foggy memory, the influence of alcohol, make it difficult for us to pick a side.
I am not calling Brunton fake or accusing him of lying about his claims. But if he himself is in doubt over what happened, then it is unfair to brand Takei as a predator.
In fact, it is our responsibility to clear men like Takei of misguided or false accusations. We know what damage such accusations can do to one's personal and professional life.
Just like every predator deserves to be called out and shamed, every man wrongfully convicted of sexual assault deserves to have his name cleared.
Our acceptance of Takei’s innocence will project that #MeToo is not impulse driven. It is a thoughtful force, which will not accuse and forget. It will inspect each incident, follow-up on it, and will show a heart by endorsing those acquitted of sexual assault charges. Such an approach is necessary if we want #MeToo Movement to have a greater shelf life. We should also not let go of Brunton’s hand. He may feel confused and conflicted right now. Shaming him for trying to process what happened to him will send out a wrong signal to numerous people who are yet to come forward and say #MeToo.
Picture Credit: BBC.UK
Also read : Beyond #MeToo, We Need Bystander Action To Prevent Sexual Violence
Yamini Pustake Bhalerao is a writer with the SheThePeople team, in the Opinions section. The views expressed are the author’s own
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