Stupidity.

[bladespark]

This is one of those stories of somebody being a normal, nice, and decent human being, and getting into legal trouble over it. Into "could have gone to jail and had to plea bargain and get community service to avoid that" kind of trouble.

The maligned folks are looking for some publicity for their side of the story, and I support them fully. So, though I don't reach very many people, I'm passing this on. If you know of anywhere that it might be read, pass it along as well.

Comments

[scribe-of-stars.livejournal.com]

That's unbelievable. One mistake and suddenly he's "guilty" of sexual harrassment? (Well, simple assault, but that's what it would have been in the U.S.)

I'm surprised they haven't tried to sue him yet. Morons.

[draxynnic.livejournal.com]

Ye gods.

You know, I can sort of understand her point of view. He should have waited for a response before sprinkling her breasts.

BUT...

...that is clearly not a proportionate response, especially if they've exaggerated the extent of the violation by claiming that there was groping involved. And claiming that she 'didn't want to make a fuss' and then demanding that someone be fired is just being hypocritical.

Although on the karma stakes - from my removed viewpoint I'd say it smells like the girl was being pushed to take it further than she intended it to go by her mother.

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

My thoughts exactly.

Addendum to previous

[draxynnic.livejournal.com]

It's also one of the problems with the sexual harassment laws. Don't get me wrong, laws against sexual harassment are definitely necassary - but this isn't the first time I've heard of something silly been blown out of all proportion as a sexual harassment/assault case.

I think this may actually be an explanation for the outbreak of introversion - especially in the romantic stakes - among young males these days: It's getting so that one could get the impression (whether that impression is accurate or otherwise) that it isn't even safe to flirt without potentially risking a lawsuit.

Re: Addendum to previous

[silveradept]

It's not. Even an inadverdent touch on the hand could probably be blown up into a full-fledged groping, complete with leer, evil laugh, and threats to rape if she didn't enjoy it.