Formula 1 is the latest sport to show that they are incapable of handling allegations of sexual harassment. At the centre of this all is a victim who alleges she was the subject of sexual harassment by her boss, CEO, & team principal of Redbull racing, Christian Horner. 1/12
Tonight's BBC coverage of the Ayia Napa case was shameful. So we've put together a thread that contains all the details the BBC didn't include in their news report which we believe should have been mentioned. The media must do better.
Content Warning:// sexual assault.
Thread:
The amount of people tweeting in support of TERFs is disgusting. If you do not support trans people then please kindly unfollow us. We will never support people who discriminate based on gender and ignore the experiences of so many human beings.
Clearly the sport as a whole doesn't understand sexual harassment & how to adequately adress allegations. The response is an abject failure to the victim and to women. This sends a message that Formula 1 does not care about women, their safety at work, or sexual harassment. 12/12
In a sport which has many female employees and increasing numbers of female fans this is disappointing to say the least. We stand in solidarity with the victim and urge the FIA to respond appropriately with its own investigation. 9/12
Anti trans rhetoric IS discrimination. Anyone should rightly lose their jobs when they are speaking against the existence and rights of an entire group of people. Trans women ARE women. Trans men ARE men. Anyone questioning otherwise is frankly inhumane.
OK. Here goes. Deep breath..... I lost my job
@CGDev
for tweeting, writing & discussing gender critical ideas & my concerns about govt proposals to allow people to change their legal sex by 'self-identification'. Here is the
@mragilligan
story in
@thetimes
She reported her allegations to HR & an internal investigation commenced. Throughout the investigation Horner was permitted to continue working in his position as normal. The investigation dismissed the allegations & cleared Horner of any wrongdoing. The victim can appeal. 2/12
24 hrs after the outcome of the investigation was made public, screenshots of text messages between the victim and Horner were leaked to the press, other Formula 1 team principals, and subsequently the public. These alleged messages contained textbook sexual harassment. 3/12
According to reports, Mohammed Ben Sulayem then asked Max Verstappen (World Champion and racing car driver for Redbull) to publicly support his boss. Max declined and urged him to launch his own investigation. Other drivers have been asked about the current situation... 5/12
As well as for Redbull to be fully transparent regarding allegations and the processes involved within the investigation and its outcome. We hope the victim has been offered emotional and legal support and we stand in full solidarity with her. 10/12
Following the leaking of the messages, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the head of the FIA (the sports governing body) invited Horner to a meeting. Immediately following the meeting they were seen at the Bahrain grand prix hugging outside the Redbull garage. 4/12
This is a highly public and sensitive case with concerning allegations which is now being used as a political football by the racing World both within the Redbull team and by other drivers vying for a driving position at the team. 11/12
We are an organisation run by survivors for survivors. Not all survivors are cis women and assuming so erases the experience of thousands of men, non binary & trans individuals. We stand with survivors, always and will never discriminate against anybody.
@catherinerdale
@BeccaEHarrison
Hi Becca, this is our current focus and we are supporting many survivors going through the same thing. We can put you in contact with lawyers and assist with crowdfunding for fees. You can drop us an email at verity
@thegeminiproject
.org
'We are here to do our job which is what we love which is to race... there's always talk in this sport sometimes more, sometimes less, at the moment maybe a bit much but if people read those things its good for the media right'- Valtteri Bottas. 6/12
Following the deadline for the appeal passing, Red Bull have now suspended the woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate and controlling behaviour.
'I just like driving cars'- Lance Stroll 'Obviously I'm not really affected, I read it, I see it, but when you're active you're so focused on what you do that you don't really buy into it... I don't have an interest or agenda there'- Nico Hulkenberg. 7/12
There are many in our mentions who keep inferring that we are pro gender neutral bathrooms/ accept trans women in women's spaces and trans men in men's spaces, despite us never commenting on the subject. To clarify: we are. (1/8)
'There's a lot of noise and distractions no doubt... hopefully these things start to slowly go away and they can just focus on being a race team'- Daniel Ricciardo. 'I think not only my support but the team is fully behind him'- Sergio Perez. 8/12
The victim's lawyers have vowed to appeal the decision and take it to The Supreme Court of Cyprus and to the European Court of Human Rights. Join us on Monday in central London to march in solidarity with the victim and protest against government inaction
This man is wanted for questioning by the FBI concerning alleged child sex abuse and child sex trafficking. What on earth are the BBC doing interviewing the man?!
"We've lost almost the grandfather of the nation"
Prince Andrew describes the Duke of Edinburgh as a "remarkable man" and says his death has left "huge void" for the Queen
The victim in this case has suffered unimaginable trauma from July, when the incident occurred, to present. It is unthinkable that a victim of gang rape has been mistreated in such a way after trying to seek justice.
She stated: 'I'm shocked that neither the EU, the Embassy or government through my MP have stepped in to ensure fundamental rights under EU law are observed. You have a concept that if something goes wrong, you'll be helped by having a British passport -that's not my experience.'
Her mother Jenny has said that the lack of government support has shocked her, adding that other than a consular officer visiting her daughter and helping her visit her in prison she's seen and heard nothing from those at a higher level.
the incident, retracting the allegations. The statement was written and signed after nearly 9 hours of overnight questioning whilst the victim was suffering from PTSD, under duress and facing threats of arrest by Cypriot police. The police denied the victim access to a lawyer...
a violation of the European Convention on Human rights. Once the statement was signed the 10 alleged assailants were released and allowed to return home to Israel where they were met by relatives at Ben Gurion airport with champagne and chanting 'The Brit is a whore'...
They have been let down, suffered human rights violations and been traumatised further. The British government must do everything in their power to challenge this grave injustice and ensure the woman can return home to the UK.
The police have evidently failed to follow correct procedure, denied her access to a lawyer, failed to properly photograph and measure bruising, failed to examine clothing, failed to record their questioning and coerced her into signing a false statement...
On Monday 6th Jan we'll be marching through London to demand more is done to assist the 19 year old British woman in Ayia Napa who was gang raped and has had her human rights violated and been victim to a miscarriage of justice. Please join us
#IBelieveHer
The victim has suffered a clear breach of her human rights through lack of a fair trial, as well a miscarriage of justice on top of the traumatic experience of being gang raped.
As a result of the verdict she could face up to a year in jail and a £1,500 fine.
she was so terrified she passed out twice in the police car. A doctor for the defence told the court he was adamant "violence was exercised" and that injuries found on the victims body were "consistent with the rape having taken place". Video footage of the incident was taken...
It is not alcohol and bars that are responsible. It is society and perpetrators that are responsible for creating and maintaining an environment and culture where this behaviour thrives without intervention. Misogyny and sexism are by products of entrenched societal attitudes.
🔺 Update: MPs should avoid parliament’s bars and go home instead to reduce the “poisonous” culture of inappropriate and sexist behaviour, the defence secretary has said
A 19 year old British woman has been accused of 'public mischief' after she was forced into withdrawing her allegation of being gang raped by 12 Israeli tourists aged between 15-22 in Ayia Napa. The victim wrote and signed a statement 10 days after initially reporting...
not required to give evidence at the trial despite four traces of DNA being found on the victim and one of the men originally stating that they all met outside the apartment and said ‘we're all going to f*** the English girl’ and bragged they were going to 'do orgies' with her...
The victim was then jailed for a month following her retraction, before being released on bail in August 2019 but had her passport confiscated so has been unable to return home. The victim alleges she was having consensual sexual relations with one of the men before others...
appeared and pinned her down. The victim stated she 'couldn't breathe' as a man pinned her down by placing his knees on her shoulders whilst others shouted and jeered. Once the attack was over she fled the hotel and went to a clinic before the police were called...
Viewing trans women as inherently violent who's sole purpose is to take over women's spaces and to assault them in public bathroom is absurd and very wrong. It also shows that they are totally unaware of the reality of sexual violence. (2/8)
and circulated by the alleged assailants. The prosecution state she made up the allegation after being humiliated by video footage being circulated online. It is not illegal to film and circulate a sex act without permission in Cyprus. The assailants were not present and...
Increased police presence in London and Kent as a result of an officer committing an offence seems incredibly tone deaf. As does telling women to stay at home.
A public inquiry is urgently needed. It would shine a light on just how perversely sexual assault cases are investigated.
Victims are scrutinised more than perps, cases are pre-judged on myths & other misconceptions, cases often take years, low charging rates, the list goes on.
We really need a public inquiry into how the Met - and the broader criminal justice system - deals with violence including sexual violence against women. In refusing to hold one the Government is basically asserting there is no real problem.
Self care note; our timeline contains content relating to sexual violence, domestic abuse, and child sexual abuse. These topics can be triggering, we would like to give you the informed decision to view this or not. 💙
You are actually more likely to be assaulted by another woman in a women's bathroom or by a 'cis' man who has entered that space with the sole intention of carrying out a sexual assault. Please do not pretend to care about sexual violence if it is only in the context of... (6/8)
It is also true that trans women, as well as disabled women are more likely to experience sexual assault in comparison to 'cis' women. You are more likely to be hit by a bus than be sexually assaulted by a trans woman in a public bathroom. (5/8)
90% of perpetrators are known to the victim prior to the assault so it is highly unlikely for a stranger to sexually assault you in a public bathroom. Yes, it does happen but it is rare. (3/8)
This is fantastic news and we look forward to reading the judgement which we hope will set a positive precedent for other survivors being sued into silence for speaking their truth.
Survivors must be able to speak their truth without fear of being sued and silenced.
I am very pleased to say that the case we funded, supporting Nina Cresswell who (like so many women) was sued for defamation when she publicly named the man who sexually assaulted her, has succeeded.
It's far more common for you to be sexually assaulted by a partner/ ex-partner (45%), a friend or acquaintance (38%) or a family member (5%) than a stranger. The majority of perpetrator's are 'cis' men & women are actually more likely to be a perpetrator than a trans woman. (4/8)
...being a potential victim in a very rare scenario (you're more likely to be assaulted by your partner or a family member at your home than by a trans woman who is unknown to you in a public space). If you truly care about survivors then support & believe survivors. (7/8)
any women in east London worried about DV tonight DM me we give u an alibi to stay at ours and join for afters (obv we have limited space but if any other women can offer same safe space pls do)
@rachaelvenables
@LBC
Thank goodness her loved ones won't have to hear the gruesome details at trial. The confirmation that she was raped is hard hitting for us all. May she rest in peace.
Support the services who are doing everything they can to fight for change and support survivors rather than attempting to blacklist them for coming out and stating their support for all survivors regardless of gender identity which yes ofc includes trans men and women. (8/8)
Anyone looking for the sources to our stats you can find them at the Office for National Statistics as that is where we get the majority of our statistics.
Relatives revealed the “joyful” girl they knew slipped away at times after she told police about the alleged rape, which led to an investigation but no charge.
These behaviours are endemic in our society; therefore, they're endemic across workplaces. This is particularly stark in workplaces where strong power dynamics exist, like Red Bull Racing where men occupy senior positions and women are more likely to occupy junior staff roles.
Christian Horner's accuser has been suspended following Red Bull's investigation into "inappropriate behaviour" against the Formula One team principal, the PA news agency understands.
CW// sexual assault
It has been brought to our attention that a tattooist by the name of Max Rathbone has allegedly sexually harrassed and assaulted multiple women including clients and colleagues. Below is a thread of some of the survivors stories who have come forward.
Our co-founder
@LucyNevitt
speaking today outside the High Comission of the Republic of Cyprus in London in support of the young British survivor in her appeal today at the Cypriot Supreme Court.
@FreeHer4Justice
Today we are re-launching our research into how abusers are using civil litigation to silence their victims who speak out and disclose the abuse they have survived. If this is something that has affected you please consider completing the survey:
97% of women have experienced sexual harassment in the UK. 1 in 3 women experience sexual assault. 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence. We have been at risk of gender-based violence since birth/ transition. We are constantly trying to survive this ever present threat.
@rpaton11
We are so sorry to hear this Becky. Too often survivors and the press are silenced as a result of the threat or fear of being sued and engaged in a long and expensive legal battle, despite what is being said being true and in the public interest. Our laws desperately need reform.
If you care about the biological basis of gender then please also research the biological basis of transgender. It exists- there is biological, chromosomal, and genetic evidence for transgender people.
The victim's lawyers have vowed to appeal the decision and take it to The Supreme Court of Cyprus and to the European Court of Human Rights. Join us on Monday in central London to march in solidarity with the victim and protest against government inaction
Trans people experience violence, sexual abuse, discrimination, and murder at a higher rate than cis gendered people. This increases even more if they are BAME. The violence against trans people is an epidemic. Rhetoric excluding trans people to safe spaces is damaging.
Thank you to all who attended today's demonstration. Sending our thoughts and solidarity with the victim as she faces sentencing tomorrow. We are with you. 💙💚
With sexual abusers it's always 'innocent until proven guilty' and yet the survivor is never given that luxury. They are almost never believed, sometimes not even by close family members or friends. For the survivor it has always been 'lying until proven otherwise'.
Actual rapists with DNA evidence and multiple victims don't get convicted so the likelihood of a lie managing to get to court and holding up enough to secure a conviction is farcical.
Rape has been decriminalised. Let's not beat around the bush with 'it has been "effectively" decriminalised' when it has so evidently been. In the UK men can rape with impunity. The bulk of convictions made are for cases of stranger rape (90% are committed by someone known prior)
Rape convictions in England and Wales have fallen to a new record low.
In the year ending March 2020, 99% of rapes reported to police resulted in no legal proceedings.
Read more here ⬇️
This is disgusting, using sexual violence in an attempt to justify transphobic opinions whilst ignoring the fact that trans women are more at risk of male violence than cis women are. It also fails to acknowledge the realities of sexual assault.
We are researching how civil litigation is used to silence survivors who speak out and disclose the abuse they have survived.
If this is something you have experienced please consider completing the
#Silenced
Survey:
You cannot 'have sex' with a 13 year old. You can ONLY rape them. This isn't difficult & yet those in the media continue to lessen the crimes committed by abusers with language not appropriate for the topic being discussed. Journalists need training on how to report on sex crimes
If you think trans rights infringe on women's rights you're very much mistaken. This is disgraceful. Not allowing trans people access to spaces such as prisons, toilets etc. corresponding with gender ID is harmful and only going to cause a spike in transphobic violence.
Urge everyone to watch
#believeme
TONIGHT 22:45 on ITV. In January we led a protest in support of this incredibly brave young woman facing a miscarriage of justice in Cyprus. Her story matters. Her voice matters. Please watch, listen and believe.
#BelieveSurvivors
#boycottcyprus
Join us in support of a young British woman on the day of her appeal against a 4 month suspended jail sentence for 'public mischief' after being forced to retract allegations of her gang rape
More info:
🗓️16 September 2021
⏰12pm
📍Cypriot Embassy, London
🧵Spiking is an unfortunately common phenomenon with the potential to victimize any member of the public. Spiking is a direct violation of a person's body autonomy and right to free choice regarding intake of alcohol or other substances. (1/4)
To all fellow women's orgs & charities, to all fellow against sexual violence organisations & charities. Please de-platform transphobes. Please stop giving a voice to this vitriol which also harms cisgender individuals. No organisation or charity should associate with bigotry.
In order to continue to be represented legally we need to raise a further £1800, ideally in the next week. If anyone can please help share or donate it would be most appreciated! Help us fight this injustice 💙.
We're compiling a dossier to build a picture of how abusers are using civil litigation in an attempt to silence their victims who speak out. If this is something that has affected you please use the form via the link below to tell us of your experience.
100 women are raped, of those 100 only 17 report to police, only 1 of those 17 will see their rapist prosecuted. This is the reality in England and Wales. Make rape illegal again.
If people cared half as much about sexual violence as they do about false accusations & protecting abusers and defending organisations that protect abusers we would be well on our way to reducing the prevelance of sexual abuse & obtaining justice for survivors.
Our co-founders are raising funds for legal fees so that they can fight back against the man who assaulted them who is attempting to silence them and prevent them from speaking out about the abuse they suffered at his hands. Please share and donate!
Our co-founders spoke out against the man who sexually assaulted them, encouraged by the
#metoo
movement only to be threatened with the possibility of being sued into silence and buried by legal costs. Story via the BBC:
'The flight was fully booked – but two passengers agreed to take a later plane to allow the family to get back sooner.'
We hope the woman is now allowed time to heal and access therapy and that her privacy and anonymity is respected by the British press.
A lack of justice empowers ‘alleged’ abusers to go after their victims in other ways. Especially powerful, rich, litigious ones. A reminder that a no further action decision does not mean NOT guilty. Uk defamation laws need an overhaul.
Lots of people are asking for our opinion on the sentencing so here it is. "We are unsurprised by the sentence but disgusted how it's leniency was framed as a kindness to the young woman when it is anything but. If we live in a just world we would expect to see the resignation
If you are a victim of rape you will be shunned, your accusations ignored, but if you’re a rapist you’ll be defended & lauded. This has to change. Victim shaming shows complicity to sexual violence.
In 2018
#SimoneBiles
wore a teal leotard at the US national championships as a statement of solidarity to all 125 women who had been abused by Larry Nassar. Simone survived sexual abuse at his hands and continues to challenge USA gymnastics over their role in the cover up.
For every Black woman who reports rape, at least 15 Black women do not report.
1 in 4 Black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18.
1 in 5 Black women are survivors of rape.