Thousands of people have come forward to open up about their experiences with sexual harassment and assault — and it’s all thanks to Alyssa Milano.
On Sunday, the phrase “me too” began trending on Twitter after the Charmed alum took to the social media site to share an idea for a sexual misconduct awareness campaign. The concept, which was first conceived by an acquaintance of Alyssa’s, encourages those who’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted to share the words “me too” to prove “magnitude of the problem.”
Related: Mayim Bialik Under Fire For Harvey Weinstein Take
The 44-year-old wrote:
If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
This idea comes amid Harvey Weinstein‘s sexual misconduct scandal where the indie movie mogul has been accused of harassing and assaulting countless women in the industry. While the Hollywood heavyweight has apologized for his past behavior, his legal team has denied that he’s sexually assaulted anyone.
Many people have taken to the #MeToo campaign as both Alyssa’s famous peers and fans have shared their upsetting experiences. See some of the powerful responses (below).
Because I was shamed and considered a “party girl” I felt I deserved it. I shouldnt have been there, I shouldn’t have been “bad” #metoo
— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) October 16, 2017
Me too https://t.co/ScX67Kmmiy
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) October 15, 2017
#MeToo
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) October 15, 2017
Me too
— Anna Paquin (@AnnaPaquin) October 15, 2017
All too pervasive… Me too. #MeToo #TogetherWeRise https://t.co/ju5K3USDt8
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) October 16, 2017
Me, too #MeToo
— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) October 15, 2017
Me too. I don’t know if means anything coming from a gay man but it’s happened. Multiple times.
— Javier Muñoz (@JMunozActor) October 15, 2017
It’s taken me 13 years to say #MeToo .He is still protected by ‘family members’ in Brazil. They’ve told lies to papers to try to silence me.
— Kaya Scodelario (@kScodders) October 16, 2017
And the comments didn’t stop there as others shared:
Crying means no.
Being drunk doesn’t mean yes.
Because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean ‘yes’ for your partner.
No is no. #metoo
— Levi Myers Kruger~ 8 (@LeviTationofDam) October 16, 2017
Date rape, harassment, unsolicited groping, fondling- never was about my clothes. It was about putting me in my place. #meToo
— BlyssDox (@BlyssDox) October 16, 2017
#MeToo
My mother remarried when I was in 6th grade, & I was molested by my step-father for years. There was no safe space. Ever.
— Eden Sarbanes (@EdenSarbanes) October 16, 2017
I was 10 & a family friend began rubbing my genitals; I was 15 & held down & raped. I was always too ashamed to tell #MeToo
— MayasMommy✌ (@poohsbrana) October 16, 2017
#metoo
When I was 14, by my girlfriend at that time. With a knife to my throat. Stop silencing male victims.
— 🎃Spook Merchant🎃 (@Lucamas221) October 16, 2017
I was 11 – Now I am 52 – With me every day for 41 years – will haunt me forever. Life sentence for me but not for the perpetrator #MeToo
— Chris Spencer Smith (@Realheadcase1) October 16, 2017
Intense stuff.
We commend all the survivors for being brave enough to share their stories. For those who haven’t come forward, please know you don’t have to, as we just want you to know you’re not alone!
[Image via FayesVision/WENN.]