Alyssa Milano offers solidarity for Kavanaugh accuser at hearing
Published Sep 28, 2018 07:07 am
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Actress Alyssa Milano, a leading voice in the #MeToo movement, threw her support Thursday behind the woman whose sexual assault allegations have thrown President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee's confirmation into doubt.
Actress Alyssa Milano (right) listens as Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, September 27, 2018. (AFP/Pool/ Saul Loeb)
Milano, who helped launch the hashtag for survivors of sexual abuse, said she traveled from Los Angeles "to show support for Doctor (Christine Blasey) Ford, to stand in solidarity with other women, other survivors that have been through similar experiences."
Blasey Ford said that during an alleged attack when they were both in high school in 1982, she feared Brett Kavanaugh would rape her.
Her accusations have thrown into disarray what had previously been seen as an easy confirmation for Trump's pick to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had been a key swing vote on the high court.
"I think the most beautiful thing that's come out of the last two years is really understanding that women are here for each other. To be part of that is very special," Milano told AFP.
Most sexual assault crimes go unreported, and Blasey Ford's has faced blistering criticism for coming forward so late in the game with her accusations. Her lawyers say she has also faced death threats.
"I think it will be very difficult for all of us," said Milano, who has been active in anti-Kavanaugh protests.
"I think that we all know that this is hard for her, this is not something she's really choosing to do but something that she feels that she has to do."
Speaking in the packed hearing room shortly before Blasey Ford began to testify, Milano acknowledged it was likely a terrifying moment for the California psychology professor.
"I'm terrified for her sitting here, so I completely understand. It's very intimidating," said Milano, who stars in the Netflix series "Insatiable."
Kavanaugh has also been accused of exposing himself to a classmate, Deborah Ramirez, during an alcohol-fueled Yale University party a few years later.
On Wednesday, a third woman, Julie Swetnick, came forward with explosive allegations, saying she witnessed sexually abusive behavior by Kavanaugh when he was a teenager and claimed she had been drugged and gang-raped at a party he attended in approximately 1982.
Actress Alyssa Milano (right) listens as Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, September 27, 2018. (AFP/Pool/ Saul Loeb)
Milano, who helped launch the hashtag for survivors of sexual abuse, said she traveled from Los Angeles "to show support for Doctor (Christine Blasey) Ford, to stand in solidarity with other women, other survivors that have been through similar experiences."
Blasey Ford said that during an alleged attack when they were both in high school in 1982, she feared Brett Kavanaugh would rape her.
Her accusations have thrown into disarray what had previously been seen as an easy confirmation for Trump's pick to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had been a key swing vote on the high court.
"I think the most beautiful thing that's come out of the last two years is really understanding that women are here for each other. To be part of that is very special," Milano told AFP.
Most sexual assault crimes go unreported, and Blasey Ford's has faced blistering criticism for coming forward so late in the game with her accusations. Her lawyers say she has also faced death threats.
"I think it will be very difficult for all of us," said Milano, who has been active in anti-Kavanaugh protests.
"I think that we all know that this is hard for her, this is not something she's really choosing to do but something that she feels that she has to do."
Speaking in the packed hearing room shortly before Blasey Ford began to testify, Milano acknowledged it was likely a terrifying moment for the California psychology professor.
"I'm terrified for her sitting here, so I completely understand. It's very intimidating," said Milano, who stars in the Netflix series "Insatiable."
Kavanaugh has also been accused of exposing himself to a classmate, Deborah Ramirez, during an alcohol-fueled Yale University party a few years later.
On Wednesday, a third woman, Julie Swetnick, came forward with explosive allegations, saying she witnessed sexually abusive behavior by Kavanaugh when he was a teenager and claimed she had been drugged and gang-raped at a party he attended in approximately 1982.