Lifestyle

Celebrities And Survivors Share Support In Emotional #DearProfessorFord Video

by Cassandra Stone
Image via Twitter/Paola Mendoza

Women everywhere are coming forward to share their solidarity with #DearProfessorFord

In a brilliant display of solidarity and sisterhood, several prominent women — celebrities, survivors, and activists — have banded together to share their messages of support for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who came forward with sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

“We know how difficult it is to stand up to powerful people,” the video begins. “We want to thank you for publicly sharing your story of sexual violence.”

The video features actresses America Ferrera, Julianne Moore, Gabrielle Union and others joined by leaders and activists Paola Mendoza, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Monica Ramirez, Ai-jen Poo, Piper Perabo and Reshma Saujani — to express their solidarity with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

“As members of the Senate determine whether Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh should serve as a Supreme Court Justice, this context is critical,” each of them reads. “The behavior you described was wrong and runs directly counter to upholding the law and promoting justice. He should not be confirmed.”

Dr. Ford’s letter, released by CNN earlier this week, offers graphic and terrifying details surrounding the night Kavanaugh allegedly attempted to rape her:

“Kavanaugh physically pushed me into a bedroom as I was headed for a bathroom up a short stairwell from the living room,” Ford wrote in part. “They locked the door and played loud music precluding any successful attempt to yell for help. …Kavanaugh was on top of me while laughing with REDACTED, who periodically jumped onto Kavanaugh. They both laughed as Kavanaugh tried to disrobe me in their highly inebriated state. With Kavanaugh’s hand over my mouth, I feared he may inadvertently kill me.”

Which is why these women have created #DearProfessorFord — because she deserves to be believed and supported. She does not deserve the threats to her and her family’s safety that have forced her to go into hiding.

“We can also imagine how shocking and overwhelming it must have been to have your truths shared on a national stage without your permission. You should be the only decision-maker about how your story is shared, if ever. We applaud your courage in coming forward for the public good, and we will be with you as you face the inevitable backlash.”

Dr. Ford has had to hire private security and flee her home with her children. Her personal life and story has been splashed all over headlines around the country. Kavanaugh apologists and supporters keep trying to discredit her — because the patriarchal institution that permeates every facet of this country makes it clear women are less than.

“You are strong,” the video concludes. “And, you are not alone. You are a survivor. Millions of us have your back. You and your testimony are credible. We believe you.”