‘Maybe It’s Time for a #HeToo Movement’

This story has a twist (actually, a few of them) — and to many people, it’s no surprise that yet another group of individuals is coming forward to discuss alleged abuse and victimization at the hands of powerful industry figures.

The New York Times last Sunday published a shocking expose related to the #MeToo movement — but this one is different. The victims in the latest wave of sexual abuse allegations are male. Mario Testino and Bruce Weber, two of the fashion industry’s top photographers, are accused of engaging in “unnecessary nudity and coercive sexual behavior, often during photo shoots,” as The Times reported in excruciating detail.

Weber is probably best known for his work on racy Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch advertising campaigns. Fifteen current and former male models described their experiences of abuse at the hands of Weber, but he has denied the allegations through a statement from his attorney.

Testino has worked with the British royals and Vogue, as well as with several high-fashion brands such as Gucci and Burberry. Thirteen male assistants and models have accused Testino of sexual impropriety. Testino’s attorneys tried to discredit the accusers and said the employees with whom they spoke found the allegations shocking — and that those employees were unable to confirm the claims, The Times also reported.

On “The Ingraham Angle” on Fox News Thursday night, host Laura Ingraham and her guest, EWTN managing editor Raymond Arroyo, suggested the hashtag “#HeToo” might be appropriate when referencing the experiences of these men in the fashion industry. Arroyo pointed out the massive pay disparities in the male modeling industry that turn typical pay disparity reports on their ear.

“[Male models, some of whom] are sexually abused, are paid about 100 times, in some cases 200 times, less than their female counterparts. Maybe it’s time for a #HeToo movement,” he said.

Related: This Is the Backlash to the #MeToo Movement

The knee-jerk reaction by some who noticed the “Is it time for a #HeToo movement?” chyron on the screen during the minute-long Fox News segment was shocking. Tweets with screen shots of Ingraham and Arroyo’s discussion, along with the “Is it time for a #HeToo movement?” chyron, began appearing on Twitter within minutes.

Some tweets attacked, perhaps unwittingly, the idea that men and boys could be sexually victimized — and that those men deserve as much empathy and support as women.

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Others were quick to express support for the victims.

Some even related stories of their own experiences of victimization.

Whether the stories emerge through #MeToo, #HeToo, or any other iteration — all victims of sexual abuse and workplace harassment deserve to be heard. And any abusers must be held to account for their despicable behavior.

Here are just a few of the other comments posted on Twitter:

“From personal experience as a male model in my early 20s, I definitely was exploited and harassed and abused. It’s kinda scarred me on the Industry. It’s a real thing. Don’t downplay it.”

“I saw the #HeToo chyron bar for Ingraham’s show, but I don’t know the context. If it’s about men coming out about being sexually abused, I shared my #MeToo in Nov. …  I’ve received an incredible amount of heartfelt responses. Hope it helps.”

“I have been sexually attacked many times over the years by women…But I remained silent. Don’t be a liberal idiot. I totally support the #HeToo movement.”

Michele Blood is a freelance writer based in Flemington, New Jersey.