Mayim Bialik issues an apology following victim-blaming backlash
Earlier this week, Big Bang Theory star, Mayim Bialik, found herself the subject of intense criticism after an op-ed she penned for The New York Times appeared to suggest survivors of sexual assault were in some way responsible for the crimes committed against them.
While the 41-year-old actress did acknowledge the inherent misogyny and sexism within the entertainment industry, she suggested women could challenge it by behaving and addressing in certain ways.
"I still make choices every day as a 41-year-old actress that I think of as self-protecting and wise," she wrote. "I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with. I dress modestly. I don’t act flirtatiously with men as a policy."
Unsurprisingly, the public were quick to point out the flaws with such an argument – criticism which appeared to strike a chord with the actress.
Taking to Twitter yesterday, she issued an apology, and attempted to clarify her original points.
"I want to addess my op-ed in the NY Times, and the reaction to it. Let me say clearly and explivitly that I am very sorry," she wrote.
"What you wear and how you behave does not provide any protection from assault, nor does the way you dress or act in any way make you responsible for being assaulted."
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 18, 2017
Turning her attention to the women who have recently shared their own stories of assault and harrassment, Mayim wrote: "I appluad the bravery of the women who have come forward."
"I support these women as we seek out and demand accountability from the only ones responsible for assault and rape; the people who perpretrate these heinous crimes. I am motivated and driven to work hard to empower women."
Concluding her statement with a sincere apology, she added: "I am truly sorry for causing so much pain, and I hope you can all forgive me."
The post has been met with a mixed response from Twitter users – some of whom felt an apology wasn't necessary and others who thanked the star for taking the time to consider the impact of her words.
"Much respect to you for acknowledging a mistake and apologising. None of us will get it right all the time," wrote one while another asked: "Why are you apologizing for people taking ur words out of context? I read it, u did nothing wrong." (sic)
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