Meredith Watson, Second Accuser of Justin Fairfax: "I'm Willing to Testify Publicly"

At an impeachment hearing, let's say.

She writes in the Washington Post (archive.is link in link above):

Fairfax denied that he raped me, and he denied Tyson's account as well. And for many in the public, the media and the Virginia General Assembly, that was that. In one week, they moved on.

I told my story, and in a single week my life was probed, exposed, examined and picked over. This is what women who come forward know to expect, and to fear. Few rape victims do come forward. The rapists shake free what soon becomes just a slight taint, and they move on.

Women of color who report rape know to expect a dismissive response characterized by even greater disbelief and more abuse, if not complete and utter indifference.
I am frustrated by calls for an investigation rather than a public hearing into these matters. Such “investigations” are secret proceedings, out of the public eye, leaving victims vulnerable to selective leaks and smears. And we all know how such investigations end: with "inconclusive results."

My privacy has already been violated, yet I am still willing to testify publicly under oath. Tyson has made the same offer. Our plea to the Virginia General Assembly to require the same of Fairfax has been met with inaction.

Despite every attempt to shame me, I am not ashamed. It is Justin Fairfax who should be ashamed. It is the Virginia legislature that should be ashamed. And it is the media that should be ashamed.

Yes -- why is the media moving on? Do they just flatly refuse to report alleged crimes where the perpetrator is not white and wearing a red hat? Do only white people crimes matter?

posted by Ace of Spades at 07:47 PM

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