In the wake of the #MeToo movement people are, at long last, more inclined to listen to allegations of sexual harassment and take them seriously. Powerful sexual predators like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey have suffered irreparable career damage and while this is nothing compared to what their victims endured, it does indicate that the culture is finally tuning in to women's stories.
This extends beyond the realm of Hollywood celebrities too, as the story of young British woman Emily White – who just called out a bouncer for sexual harassment – shows. The 19-year-old, from St Austell in Cornwall, was on a night out in Newquay in July when a pub bouncer allegedly wolf-whistled and stared at her before commenting on her breasts.
When she threatened to report the incident, he told her his bosses "won't do anything love," reported the BBC. But the pub in question, the Sailors Arms, has revealed that it took "immediate action" upon receiving White's complaint. "An immediate investigation was launched in collaboration with the agency which employs our door staff," a pub spokesperson said. "Until it is complete, the individual in question will not be employed at our door."
White explained what happened in a tweet on 24th July that has received more than 93k likes and over 8k retweets at the time of writing.
Was sexually harassed by a bouncer in a night club this weekend. So I snapped a photo of his ID, emailed the club, who have emailed his agency, who have begun an official displinary investigation. He told me, “I’m a bouncer I can do what I want”. No mate, no you can’t.
— em (@itsemilywhite) July 24, 2018
"[I] was sexually harassed by a bouncer in a night club this weekend. So I snapped a photo of his ID, emailed the club, who have emailed his agency, who have begun an official disciplinary investigation. He told me, 'I'm a bouncer, I can do what I want'. No mate, you can't."
The bouncer willingly moved his arm out of the way to enable her to photograph his ID. "That's how cocky he was," White told the BBC. "He thought no-one would challenge him on it. He was wrong."
She emphasised the importance of calling out all sexual harassment, regardless of how "serious" it might seem. "It's not the worst thing that's happened to a girl. It's not even the worst thing that's happened to me," she said, adding that she "was able to report it and so [she] did". "If the same thing has happened to anyone else, I would urge them to do the same."
White has received dozens of messages of support and praise for sticking up for herself. When one user asked her if she was "alright," she replied: "Yeah all good babe, just wanted to stick it to him x."
You. Are. An . Icon. - this is what women and others who have been sexually assaulted should have the confidence to do- thank you for sharing this xxxxx
— ♡𝔧𝔲𝔪𝔭𝔰𝔲𝔦𝔱♡ (@PhilippaRoseX) July 25, 2018
Also, I hope your example shows other girls that this happens to that it's ok to stick up for yourself against the door staff (or anyone else, for that matter) that make you feel uncomfortable.
— John Sharkey (@john_sharkey_) August 1, 2018
Good on you! 😎
Good on you for taking that power back! He can’t take that from you.
— Kimberley Cooper (@KimberleyErica) July 25, 2018
Sending good vibes your way and hoping for the best outcome, don’t let it break you when they try to!
You’ve stopped him from doing it again.. Thank you 🙏🏽 #Feminism #womenunite
Good girl! We did this when it happened to my friend as well! Absolute abuse of power but underestimate girl power✌🏻
— Rachael 🖤 (@totsandtantrums) July 25, 2018
Well done you. Seriously. Well done. Too many don’t take it further ‘cos nothing will happen’ so take a bow.
— Stuart Baggs (@Baggsie13) July 25, 2018
I hope that his agency retrains all staff to help them understand that his actions & views are inappropriate & illegal
If you have experienced sexual violence of any kind, please visit Rape Crisis or call 0808 802 9999.
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