Sarah’s News Roundup 06.09.18

Bill Clinton
Former president Bill Clinton has said he would not respond any differently today, in light of the #metoo movement, to reports of his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky than he did in 1998: “I think I did the right thing”.

Clinton was impeached for lying to investigators over the relationship.

His initial response to the media reports – “I did not have sexual relations with that woman” – has become one of US politics’ most memorable quotes.

Ms Lewinsky wrote in Vanity Fair that she was moved to tears after being contacted by one of the leaders of the #metoo movement: “There are some people who feel my White House experiences don’t have a place in this movement, as what transpired between Bill Clinton and myself was not sexual assault, although we now recognise that it constituted a gross abuse of power.”

Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault in New York’s Supreme Court.

The identity of one of the women relating to these charges has been confirmed by her lawyer as former actress Lucia Evans.

The Miss America beauty pageant has scrapped both its swimsuit and evening gown section.

It has said that competitors will no longer be judged on physical appearance and are being asked instead to wear something that makes them feel good and expresses their personal style.

Aaron Persky, the judge who sentenced Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner to only six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious student, has been removed from office following a vote.

It is the first time in California that a judge has been voted out of office in this manner in more than 80 years.

Stanford law professor, Michelle Dauber, led the effort to recall Persky: “We voted that sexual violence is serious and it must be taken seriously by our elected officials. In this historical moment, when women’s rights are under attack, the women and many men of this county stood our ground.”

John Lasseter, the head of Disney animation, must leave the studio months after being accused of sexual misconduct.

He has been on leave since November when it emerged that he made people feel uncomfortable with what he called “unwanted hugs”, although he was known for grabbing, kissing and making comments.

He did offer an apology at the time but said his behaviour was “benign” and he denied wrongdoing.

Lastly, MILCK (aka Connie Lim) has released her new single Oh My My (What a Life).

It’s a very happy, joyful song yet is as deep, strong and gently challenging as her other music.

As Connie herself points out, “joy can be an act of defiance”.

I love that too.

Sarah x

#metoo

#whatalife

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