Posted on 10/12/2017 1:33:57 PM PDT by Dr. Thorne
There is much talk about sexual harassment and abuse these days. Many people are asking why victims did not come forward at the time when these events took place. Besides l'affaire Weinstein, there has been the unending saga of Bill Cosby and his sickening sexual escapades. However, I have my own story to tell.
SF Opera is one of the top three opera companies in the US after the Metropolitan and Chicago Lyric. Getting your foot in the door there is a stepping stone to a productive musical career. After taking part in their Young Artist program, they hired me for a full season - three roles with a major opera company. I thought my career ticket had been punched.
The first opera in which I was cast was being directed by a world famous director, not a household name, but famous within the business. He was clearly a homosexual, but very funny, witty and friendly with all. During a break in one rehearsal, he asked if he and I could work on the scene apart from the rest of the cast, but within sight of them. Of course, I agreed because I wanted to succeed. He was lying on a chaise portraying the lead soprano when he stopped the scene, put his hand on my arm and said, "Dear boy, are you free for dinner this evening?" Since I was living with my girlfriend and am straight as an arrow, I declined as if it was one of his jokes. He was incensed.
"So, THAT'S the way it is!", he exclaimed as he jumped up and stormed off.
The lead soprano's cover had witnessed the whole thing. I asked her what that was all about. She just shrugged and said, "I wouldn't worry about it." So, I didn't.
Until the director walked into the General Manager's office that day and insisted I be replaced. I was called into the main office and told I was being replaced because "John" thought I was not "mature enough" for the role. I knew that this was punishment for not playing the game and capitulating to the director's advances, but kept my mouth shut until I could speak with my agent who explained to me that I had a contract the company had to honor, even if I wasn't singing the role in this opera.
He also explained that if I tried to go public with sexual harassment charges, my career would be over because of the endemic homosexuality in the opera business. Word spreads fast. I had worked long and hard, and spent thousands of dollars preparing my voice for opera. How could I throw it all away?
This is how all the folks feel, now numbering both women AND men, who are coming forward. They are an easily replaced cog in a big machine.
I hope all those on FR who berate the victims for not coming forward immediately will have some understanding of the intense pressure to remain silent in the face of the potential termination of their hopes and dreams. If you haven't been there, you might want to extend some grace to them.
+1
Speaking Bill Cosby, where is Gloria Allred and daughter with these victims? There are millions available here.
Is the homo that did that to you still living?
They didn’t refuse the advances or come forward at the time because they knew it was all just bumps on the road to Celebrity and Wealth.
Sorry you had to experience that, Dr. Thorne.
An important post, thank you! I am so saddened to think of the garbage you and so many others have been put through by such scumbags.
Gloria is a Leftist first, an attorney second and a feminist third. They protect their own.
I brought this up yesterday and nearly got lynched here for it...
You should see the message I got from a Freeper too. I asked them to apologize, but they never did.... look what they sent me...
Re: Do as the Romans Do
From BatGuano | 10/11/2017 9:00:44 PM PDT replied
Spare your daughter or son too? You blow this off like it is nothing to the victim. Are you one who is on the other end of the equation?
the potential termination of their hopes and dreams.
I would encourage young folks to have other dreams.
Yes. He’s retired. The General Manager who was his accomplice is dead.
Sorry you had to experience this but thank you for sharing your straight male perspective, my FRiend. Hope your career wasn’t adversely affected.
Zero responsibility for the women is a total lie and a joke.
Weinstein is scum, deserves jail.
The women that never tried to become actresses or actors due to the well known practice of “casting couches” are the real victims.
But women that trot off to Los Angeles and act like bimbos and shed their clothes and give it up for a job/fame, have only themselves to blame and are NOT victims.
My answer is, "Yes. Tell them to be a doctor."
I’m sure some “victims” are very willing. But considering Weinstein’s MO, it seems he enjoyed truly victimizing the unsuspecting.
It’s been terrible. He doesn’t write, he doesn’t call ....
;)
It happens every day and probably always will until the Judgment Day. I’m just asking for a little grace for those who had too much to lose to come forward. Seems the time’s are changing.
Well, thanks for knowing it all.
Frankly, it was.
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