Please note: this article deals with the topic of sexual assault, which some may find triggering.
Over the past week, numerous male actors and musicians have been accused of sexual assault, abuse and predatory behaviour towards women, in some cases underage girls. Ansel Elgort, Justin Bieber and Cole Sprouse and comedian Chris D’Elia are among them and all of them have denied any and all accusations outright. For a good explanation of why these public denials can actually be very damaging to victims and survivors everywhere, we’d suggest having a read of this article. In Chris D’Elia’s case, several women came forward claiming that D’Elia exhibited predatory behaviour towards them, including asking for nude photos while they were underage. Now, D’Elia’s You co-star Penn Badgley has made a pretty definitive statement on the matter.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the actor said, “I am very troubled by it. I don’t know Chris. I know that, if there’s anything we need to do in this age, it’s to believe women.” Badgley explained that he was particularly disturbed by the context around all of this.
You as a show delves into the kinds of predatory behaviours (stalking, obsession and even violence) that women face all the time, and tries to look at why they sometimes get painted as just “romantic” or a sign of someone’s intense affection. Think Edward creepily watching Bella sleep in the Twilight books. In You, D’Elia actually plays a character who is a famous Los Angeles comedian… who preyed on underage girls, eerily similar to the person he’s accused of being. Badgley said he was shaken by “the idea that a show like ours would indirectly, unwittingly be a haven for people who are abusive is disturbing. It’s very disturbing.”
He says there’s a need for a change to what people think is and isn’t acceptable behaviour, especially when there are clear power differences. “What does it take to change that? Because it’s not just vetting individuals. There needs to be a change in culture and attitude so that that kind of behavior is so clearly reprehensible, it’s so clearly, like, anti-human.”
Badgley also spoke about a lot of other, systemic stuff that women and girls go through: “What is really important is to recognize that the policies that underwrite every given system—the practices, the regulations, the laws that underwrite every one of these systems which act as a haven for the individuals that take advantage, namely white men. And women—but, you know, white people, and white men. And white men of a particular breed, who are successful and charismatic. I think that we need to remember that that is the level of change we’re looking for.”
He said that one of the first things the producers of You did when the allegations against D’Elia came out was to check in with 17-year-old actress Jenna Ortega, who played opposite D’Elia to make sure she felt safe. “We can feel safe and sound there,” he said.
If you, or anyone you know, is affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. Please dial 000 in emergencies.
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