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“Words have power”

Family of the late Jill Messick, agent to Rose McGowan, send an important message to media in a #metoo backlash.

This week ABC will screen a special edition of Q&A, hosted by Virginia Trioli on Thursday night on the subject of #metoo.

Much has been written, including here, on allegations, denials and careers, as a result of the global social media campaign.

Last week Rose McGowan’s former manager Jill Messick (pictured), who took her own life in Los Angeles at the age of 50, which has seen McGowan heavily criticised by Messick’s family.

Amongst their claims, Messick was distressed at being dragged into the debate after an email to Harvey Weinstein last July was released. They drew attention to the speed of disseminating information had carried mistruths, leaving Messick as “collateral damage.”

“Jill believed in the Movement. She supported every woman finally coming forward to share their dark truths and expose those who had committed previously unspeakable deeds. She was loyal. She was strong. Jill was many things, but she was not a liar,” the family said in a statement.

Of particular note in a lengthier statement, they had words for the media too:

While journalists serve an important role in exposing predatory behavior, we are seeing irresponsible choices and an addiction to sensationalism which leads to inconsistent storytelling. The media is a powerful tool not to be taken lightly. Most individuals would be horrified to have their name spotlighted in a major international news story – let alone their photograph. We cannot forget that the media is a fearsome tool which cannot be used indiscriminately or even inadvertently to create further victims. There is a responsibility when using a platform to accurately expose criminals, predators, mistruths and misdeeds while protecting the actual truth of third parties.

As we collectively seek to take action in an effort to right the wrongs so brazenly and inhumanely repeated for a generation, we must not forget one simple truth: words have power. While we illuminate the dark corners for hidden truths, we must remember that what we say, particularly in the media, can have just as much impact if not more than our actions. We must ask more of ourselves, and of each other. We must take a moment to consider the ramifications and consequences of what we say and what we do.

Words matter.

Someone’s life may depend on it.

Meanwhile SAG-AFTRA have now released a Code of Conduct on Sexual Harassment.

Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
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BeyondBlue 1300 224 636, beyondblue.org.au

Source: Fairfax

NB: Please avoid referring to other specific cases in Comments, which may be ongoing.

One Response

  1. Words do matter….think before you speak…and especially before you fire off a comment…anywhere on social media…..You may be wanting to off load…but words can and do cut… 🙁

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