Early this year Robin Thicke, the singer who sings the controversial 2013 hit song “Blurred Lines” has recently come under fire for allegedly groping Emily Ratajkowis on the set of the music video. The American model and an advocate for women’s health issues had claimed in her new book that while on the set of the music video Robin Thicke had, quote-on-quote: “Suddenly, out of nowhere, I felt the coolness and foreignness of a stranger’s hands cupping my bare breasts from behind. I instinctively moved away, looking back at Robin Thicke.” Although she, later on, followed up that Robin Thicke had appeared drunk while on set and had sheepishly apologized for his assault, she stated that she had enjoyed the shoot and claimed that Thicke wouldn’t have touched her if he wasn’t sober. Even though Emily Ratajkowis had spoken up about her experience of being sexually assaulted, Robin Thicke has yet to address the allegations.
In my opinion, I am glad that she had spoken up about her experience of being sexually assaulted especially in the climate when celebrities are getting jail time for their actions. However, I disagree with the fact that she had stated that Thicke wouldn’t have touched her if he wasn’t sober. I just think that intoxication shouldn’t be used as an excuse for sexually assaulting anyone because that then lets, other predators, get away with sexually abusing someone which can have a damaging result in the long run. It is also to be noted that most who do abuse alcohol, do not batter or sexually assault others. That’s why I believe that she shouldn’t have excused his actions of being drunk because that statement excuses bad behavior.
Thank you for this. In class, I shared a recent feminist “answer song” to the song “Blurred Lines,” in the spirit of #MeToo. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2u9HWlQQuA
What do folks think of this?
I am 100% with you. I do not think intoxication should be an excuse for harassing someone. It’s sort of like she was telling everyone “it’s okay, he was drunk so he did not know what he was doing”. It’s sad that so many people do actually believe that intoxicated actions aren’t “intentional”.
I am 100% with you. I do not think intoxication should be an excuse for harassing someone. It’s sort of like she was telling everyone “it’s okay, he was drunk so he did not know what he was doing”. It’s sad to think about the amount of people that do actually believe that intoxicated actions aren’t “intentional”.