Gabrielle Union, who is a rape survivor, writes for the LA Times
Quote:
Twenty-four years ago I was raped at gunpoint in the cold, dark backroom of the Payless shoe store where I was then working (...)
Since Nate Parker’s story was revealed to me, I have found myself in a state of stomach-churning confusion. I took this role because I related to the experience. I also wanted to give a voice to my character, who remains silent throughout the film. In her silence, she represents countless black women who have been and continue to be violated (...)
As important and ground-breaking as this film is, I cannot take these allegations lightly. (...)
Regardless of what I think may have happened that night 17 years ago, after reading all 700 pages of the trial transcript, I still don’t actually know. Nor does anyone who was not in that room. But I believe that the film is an opportunity to inform and educate so that these situations cease to occur on college campuses, in dorm rooms, in fraternities, in apartments or anywhere else young people get together to socialize.
I took this part in this film to talk about sexual violence. To talk about this stain that lives on in our psyches. I know these conversations are uncomfortable and difficult and painful. But they are necessary. Addressing misogyny, toxic masculinity, and rape culture is necessary. Addressing what should and should not be deemed consent is necessary (...)
And Gabby has talked about being a victim of rape in several interviews through out her career. She's now in a position in which she's working with a co-star who's "allegedly" a rapist.
Not that I don't believe her but it seems like everyone is 'coming out' with their stories of rape.
You'd be shocked by how many ppl choose to stay silent about their rapes...it's just ppl now have become more open to sharing such things because they see that it helps others.
