The #MeToo movement overall has been a step forward for both men and women alike, in exposing abusive and inappropriate behavior. It’s completely shifted our society, transformed hostile work environments, and broken down barriers in what were previously considered invincible power circles in places like Hollywood and Washington, D.C. But #MeToo must not become a political or self-serving weapon if its supporters want it to continue to have moral efficacy.
Certainly, every movement is not without its flaws. And once recognized we, as a society, would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge those flaws and try to improve them. Additionally, morally beneficial movements should remain politically neutral in the sense that they continue to be focused on their mission and not hijacked as some sort of virtue signaling tool.
Unfortunately, due to easily accessible social media platforms, a 24-hour news cycle, and the impact and effectiveness of #MeToo, some are keen on commandeering the movement for their own personal or political gain. In other words, #MeToo is creating its own set of victims — through the malice and appropriation of others.
Sadly, some dishonest individuals have used this movement to tarnish innocent people by levying accusations before actual facts can be presented and investigations started. Then, the justice-hungry public, encouraged by eager media reporters, has already served as judge and jury — slandering a good person’s reputation.
Combined with a desire to receive a large financial settlement, this is exactly what happened to Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.
Jordan is a decorated wrestler and a well-respected congressman. Colleagues on both sides of the aisle have long admired him. Yet, Jordan was sucked into national headlines recently when a handful of former wrestlers claimed that Jordan allegedly had knowledge of past sexual abuse against wrestlers and did nothing.
The alleged abuse took place at the Ohio State University when Jordan was in his early 20s and served as the wrestling team’s assistant coach. Only one former wrestler claimed on the record that they reported the abuse to Jordan, the other accusations have essentially boiled down to he “should have known.” The organizer and most outspoken wrestler who started this attack against Jordan has a strong vendetta against OSU, as well as a history of strong-arm legal tactics.
Quickly, and without an ounce of evidence to solidify these claims, the media began to roast Jim Jordan, forcing him to spend weeks fighting to prove his innocence. Politically-driven talking heads and congressional staffers flocked to question Jordan’s integrity. Instead of waiting on the facts or digging deeper they ran with the story. Had they done due diligence, and discovered that the only wrestler claiming on the record that he reported the abuse to Jordan, stood to gain from a current lawsuit against OSU and was arrested for a fraud scheme, many would have probably dropped the story immediately — but instead, the media continued to dig into Jordan.
[Rep. Jim Jordan says accusers are lying, but can’t point to why]
Sexual abuse is absolutely horrific, and for victims, it’s painfully difficult to go public with their abuse, many of which feel as if they are reliving it all over again. We should fully support the notion that victims be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to their abuse. But that doubt should not be provided in a vacuum. Our justice system requires facts to be presented and the hurdle of reasonable doubt to be overcome when determining whether someone is guilty or not. So when the media fails in its duty to accurately present the facts, especially when individuals are financially motivated or have ulterior motives, not only are innocent people being dragged through the mud, but victims everywhere will also have a more difficult hill to climb to seek justice.
The media has a responsibility to report stories without bias or motive while at the same time fact-checking claims and double-checking sources. And those digesting the media have a responsibility to hold their fire and analyze claims made against all the facts presented. We know that the mainstream media tends to be more liberal than conservative, but these situations have the power to alter an individual’s life, so political bias should be placed aside and only facts presented.
While Jim Jordan was able to defend himself, albeit over the course of weeks and with much professional anguish, it would be near-impossible for some without such a respected and distinguished public persona to do the same.
It is my hope that #MeToo will continue to prevail but with a discerning public that is cautious and understands that sometimes insensitive individuals cry wolf. Let’s work to ensure that honest people not have their reputations ruined by dishonest individuals. Let’s all do our part to hold everyone to higher standards to ensure that justice is at the forefront of the #MeToo movement, not misguided, personal gain.
Mary Vought (@MaryVought) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. She is a communications strategist who resides in Arlington, Va. Previously, she was press secretary to the House Republican Conference under then-Chairman Mike Pence.
