UltraViolet Responds to Fourth Set of Rape Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Calls on Grammy Awards to Rescind Comb’s Nominations, and Invitation to Attend
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 7, 2023
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | Brett@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Responds to Fourth Set of Rape Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Calls on Grammy Awards to Rescind Comb’s Nominations, and Invitation to Attend
NEW YORK, NY — Yesterday, allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, alleging the rape and sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl in 2003, were filed under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law in a federal Manhattan court.
The lawsuit concerns the fourth individual to come forward over allegations of sexual assault by Combs in the span of three weeks, following singer Cassie’s accusations of sexual assault and domestic violence against Diddy on November 16.
In response to this news, Elisa Batista, Campaign Director at UltraViolet, has called on the Grammys to rescind its 2024 nomination and invitation of Combs:
“We are deeply disturbed and concerned by the recent allegations of sexual abuse, sex trafficking of a minor, and domestic violence made against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs over the past three weeks. The gravity of the allegations against Combs underscore the ongoing need for accountability — and that the #MeToo movement is relevant and badly needed more than ever.
“Not surprisingly, almost all of Combs’ brands have dropped him for his abusive and inexcusable behavior. But last month, the Grammys awarded Combs with his first-ever nomination as a lead artist in one of the two R&B album categories. We are calling on the Grammys to stop enabling abusers and to immediately rescind Combs’ nomination and invitation. Survivors don’t need to see that.
“Speaking out against an abuser, let alone one so powerful and influential, is a terrifying possibility for so many survivors. And one of the reasons the four women who came forward to share their experiences with Combs deserve our attention and our respect.
“Most sexual assault survivors never report their abuse out of fear of being gaslit, discredited, harassed, threatened, or worse. We applaud the four survivors who bravely did so here.
“The graphic allegations against Combs are a sobering reminder that survivors deserve better. Shame on Sean Combs for trying to discredit these women; shame on the music and entertainment industries for enabling men who weaponize their wealth and power to sexually abuse young women and girls.
“We will always stand with and believe survivors. Full Stop.”
UltraViolet has a long-running connection to the #MeToo movement and the music industry.
In 2014, pop singer Kesha came forward to accuse music producer Dr. Luke sexual assault. After the allegations were made public, UltraViolet hosted petitions, organized protests, and publicly advocated for Sony Music to “Free Kesha” from her relationship with her alleged abuser.
In 2018, following Spotify’s decision to remove R. Kelly and other infamous abusers from its official playlists, UltraViolet penned an open letter to Spotify CEO applauding the company’s decision, but urging Elk to look deeper at other artists with a history of sexual and physical abuse that continued to profit from Spotify’s promotion. Ultimately, Spotify reversed its decision to hold abusers accountable and added R. Kelly back to official Spotify-promoted playlists.
One year later, tens of thousands of people signed UltraViolet’s petition, echoing calls of the #MuteRKelly campaign, urging RCA Records to drop Kelly. UltraViolet also commissioned a plane banner to fly over Sony Music’s HQs in Los Angeles, demanding RCA Records to sever ties with R Kelly and took part in the “#MuteRKelly Rally to Protect Black Girls” at Sony Music HQ’s in New York City.
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UltraViolet Says Resounding Victories in Ohio, Kentucky & Virginia Confirm Feminist Values are Majoritarian Values
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 9, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Says Resounding Victories in Ohio, Kentucky & Virginia Confirm Feminist Values are Majoritarian Values
WASHINGTON, DC — Last night, Ohio residents voted to pass Issue 1, a highly anticipated ballot initiative that will amend the State Constitution to include abortion rights. In Virginia, Democrats secured full control of the State Legislature, winning a majority in the House of Delegates for the first time in two years, and crushing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s plan to enact a 15-week abortion ban and continue attacks on transgender kids. Danica Roem, a transgender member of the Virginia legislature was elected to the Virginia Senate. Kentucky voters reelected Democratic Governor Andy Beshear who ran aggressively in defense of abortion rights and transgender kids. In the process, Kentucky voters rejected Republican challenger Daniel Cameron whose candidacy was loudly opposed by Breonna Taylor’s family for failing to pursue justice for Breonna Taylor’s murder.
In response to this news, Shaunna Thomas, executive director of UltraViolet, a national gender justice group, issued the following statement:
“Last night’s victories in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia hammer one simple truth home: the American people support abortion access, and they oppose attacks on transgender kids. Full stop.
“And let’s be clear, feminist values are majoritarian values. Last night’s election – just like the 2022 midterms – proves it.
“Voters rejected GOP extremism and continued to show up to the polls to punish those who want to take away our rights and freedoms and reward those who fight for us and our democracy
“Once again, it appears that women, people of color,and young people drove the outcome of this year’s elections by building an anti-fascist, pro-abortion care, and feminist voting bloc that helped turn tough elections in red states like Kentucky and Ohio, and purple states like Virginia, into a Blue sweep.
“In a post-Roe America, voters see through the GOP’s attempts to ban abortion nationwide and the effort they’re making to attack transgender kids and ban books in the name of so-called parents rights in the process. Democrats must leverage this reality as the 2024 presidential election approaches- our lives and our democracy depend on it.”
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UltraViolet Urges NBC to Drop RNC Presidential Debate Over Required Partnership with Rumble
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 30, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Urges NBC to Drop RNC Presidential Debate Over Required Partnership with Rumble
New Report from The Guardian Identifies Rumble as Engine of Misinformation, Misogyny & Anti-Semitism, Warns NBC News’ Validation of Rumble Will Hurt Democracy
MIAMI, FL — Last Thursday, NBC announced that Lester Holt, Kristen Welker, and Hugh Hewitt will co-moderate the third Republican presidential primary debate on November 8, 2023.
The debate is scheduled to air Wednesday, November 8th in partnership with Rumble, a radical right-wing video-sharing platform known for its promotion of extremist rhetoric and content that promotes misogyny, antisemitism, and racism.
In response, Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet, a national gender justice group, issued the following statement:
“NBC’s participation in this GOP primary debate will give Republicans the opportunity to spread lies and misinformation to millions of people. To do so in concert with Rumble makes the network’s problematic attempt to appease a more conservative audience and boost ratings even worse.
“Let’s be clear: Rumble was built on weaponizing toxicity and right-wing radicalization: it is a hotbed for misogyny, antisemitism, and racism. Rumble bankrolled convicted rapist Andrew Tate, and continues to give soapboxes to conspiracy theorists, like Alex Jones. By airing this debate with Rumble, NBC is allowing GOP candidates to spread disinformation to millions of people while validating Rumble as a legitimate news source. All of this undermines our democracy.”
UltraViolet’s new campaign Misogyny: Game Over seeks to disrupt the right-wing’s recruitment and radicalization of young men through misogyny and white nationalism online and in gaming communities, including platforms like Rumble.
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UltraViolet Responds to House’s Failure to Elect “Rape Apologist” Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 17, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Responds to House’s Failure to Elect “Rape Apologist” Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the House of Representatives voted against electing Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as Speaker of the House.
In response to the vote, Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet, a national gender justice group with a history of advocating against Jim Jordan, issued the following statement:
“We are relieved that the House Republican caucus refused to make Jim Jordan, an unrepentant insurrectionist and rape apologist, Speaker of the House of Representatives and third in line to lead our nation.
“Let’s be clear: Jim Jordan openly supported the January 6th insurrection of 2021; he is the leader of the effort to ban abortion nationwide; voted against legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence; and helped protect a predator who sexually abused young students during his time at Ohio State University.
“These factors alone should have disqualified Jordan as a contender for Speaker of the House.
“Today’s unsuccessful vote may provide a momentary relief, but it serves as a stark and unsettling reminder that Jordan still roams the halls of Congress.”
In 2018, members of UltraViolet PAC presented Rep. Jordan with the ‘Worst for Women’ award at his district office in Lima, Ohio. Jordan was included on the list for his role covering up and enabling sexual assault of young men during his time at Ohio State University, voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and voting to defund Planned Parenthood.
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UltraViolet Celebrates Laphonza Butler’s Historic Appointment
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 2, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Celebrates Laphonza Butler’s Historic Appointment
Gender Justice Group Thanks Gov. Newsom for Keeping His Promise, Appointing a Black Woman to the Senate
CALIFORNIA — Last night, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he would appoint Laphonza Butler, president of Emily’s List and a former labor leader, to fill the vacant Senate seat following Senator Diane Feinstein’s death last week.
In response to Newsom’s announcement, Kathy Plate, managing director of growth and member experience at UltraViolet, a leading national gender advocacy organization, released the following statement:
“With this appointment, Governor Gavin Newsom has made good on his promise to appoint a Black woman to the Senate.
“We congratulate Laphonza Butler on her appointment and historic position as the first Black LGBTQ+ woman to serve in the Senate. There is important work for Congress, and we look forward to working with Senator Butler.”
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UltraViolet Celebrates Life of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Urges California Gov. Newsom to Stick to Pledge by Appointing a Black Woman to Feinstein’s Senate Seat
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 29, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Celebrates Life of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Urges California Gov. Newsom to Stick to Pledge by Appointing a Black Woman to Feinstein’s Senate Seat
CALIFORNIA — This morning, California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein was pronounced dead at age 90. Feinstein’s replacement will be selected by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In response to the news, Elisa Batista, campaign director at UltraViolet, a leading national gender advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“As we mourn Senator Dianne Feinstein’s passing and honor her trailblazing career, we must also turn our attention to the critical task of filling her vacant Senate seat, which helps maintain Democrats’ razor-thin majority in the US Senate.
“Gavin Newsom must keep his promise and appoint a Black woman to her seat. People in California, and around the country, will be watching.”
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UltraViolet Escalates Calls for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to Suspend Kevin Porter Jr. Without Pay Before Training Camp Begins Sept. 26th
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Escalates Calls for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to Suspend Kevin Porter Jr. Without Pay Before Training Camp Begins Sept. 26th
Over 11,000 people join Ultraviolet in urging NBA’s Adam Silver to suspend Kevin Porter Jr. without pay, take disciplinary action after domestic abuse charges
NEW YORK, NY — Today, UltraViolet, a leading national gender justice advocacy group, escalated calls for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to suspend Kevin Porter Jr. of the Houston Rockets without pay for domestic abuse before the start of training camp on Tue., September 26.
Porter was charged with assaulting his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, in Manhattan last week. Gondrezick described Porter punching her repeatedly in the face; she has since sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck.
Over the past seven days, UltraViolet’s petition echoing demands for Commissioner Silver to suspend Porter from the NBA, and for the NBA to reassess and update its policies around sexual and gender-based violence committed by players and staff, has garnered over 11,000 signatures and counting.
VIEW THE PETITION HERE: https://act.weareultraviolet.
“Kevin Porter Jr. is an abuser and walking liability for the NBA,” said Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet. “NBA Commissioner Adam Silver knows Porter has a sustained history of troublesome off-court actions, separate from this past week’s domestic violence incident; the Houston Rockets know simply trading Porter elsewhere won’t stop him from physically harming more women. That’s why we are escalating our calls for Porter to be suspended without pay before the start of the NBA’s training season on Sept. 26th. For too long, abusers like Kevin Porter Jr. have been incentivized and enabled by professional sports leagues. It’s time for Adam Silver and the NBA to take a stand: bench Porter without pay until the Manhattan district attorney’s office conducts its investigation and the legal process is concluded.”
UltraViolet has a long history of holding sports leagues and their leaders, including the NFL, accountable for their complacency toward players who commit domestic violence.
In 2015, the group launched the #GoodellMustGo campaign, demanding Commissioner Roger Goodell’s termination after his failure to adequately address domestic violence in the NFL and tolerance for sexual harassment against women employees.
In 2020, UltraViolet insisted that the NFL compel Dan Snyder to sell the Commanders after an investigation revealed his role in enabling, encouraging and fostering a hostile workplace and toxic culture for women. Last month, the demand was met after NFL owners voted unanimously for the team’s sale from the Snyder family.
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New Letter Urges Senate Committee Inquiry on FTC Nominees’ Relationship With Disgraced Former Member Joshua Wright, Following Bombshell Sexual Misconduct Scandal
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 19, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbenablemedia.com
New Letter Urges Senate Committee Inquiry on FTC Nominees’ Relationship With Disgraced Former Member Joshua Wright, Following Bombshell Sexual Misconduct Scandal
Ahead of Wednesday’s Senate Committee Hearing, Women’s Group Asks Senator Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz Ask Nominees Melissa Holyoak, Andrew Ferguson About Relationship to Joshua Wright
WASHINGTON, DC — A new letter sent to Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz today by UltraViolet, a leading national gender justice group, urges the Senate to investigate Federal Trade Commission (FTC) nominees for possible ties to Joshua D. Wright, a former FTC member and highly influential figure in antitrust law, who is currently facing well-documented allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women.
In the letter, UltraViolet encourages Cantwell and Cruz, Chairs of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, to question FTC nominees, Melissa A. Holyoak and Andrew D. Ferguson, for their professional connections to Wright. Specifically, whether Wright played a role in securing their nominations, and what, if anything, they knew about the allegations and investigation into Wright. Although Wright’s tenure on the FTC expired in 2015, his influence in the antitrust law community is well-established. As UltraViolet’s letter explains:
“… it is critical that the committee thoroughly examines the character and professional histories of commission nominees. Following recent disturbing allegations against former FTC member Joshua D. Wright, we urge the committee to look into any past professional relationships between Wright and Melissa A. Holyoak and Andrew D. Ferguson. Specifically, we urge the committee to inquire about what role, if any, Wright played in helping advance their respective nominations.”
“…’Wright held outsized influence in the antitrust circles,’ with the ‘allegations also portray[ing] a cozy network between prominent law firms, well-connected insiders and the FTC.’…”
VIEW THE FULL LETTER HERE: https://weareultraviolet.org/ahead-of-senate-committee-hearing-ultraviolet-asks-senators-maria-cantwell-and-ted-cruz-to-ask-nominees-about-relationship-to-joshua-wright/
“With the information we now know about Joshua Wright, including accounts from eight women describing his propositioning of female students, staffers and job applicants at George Mason University, it’s absolutely crucial that we investigate the judgment of those who knew him well,” said Shaunna Thomas, executive director of UltraViolet. “We urge the Senate to thoroughly question Melissa Holyoak and Andrew Ferguson about their relationships with Wright as part of the FTC confirmation process. If they knowingly associated with an abuser who exploited his own power to coerce and manipulate women, that would represent a significant lapse in moral judgment. Those who demonstrate such a lapse do not belong in positions of power within our government.”
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UltraViolet Demands NBA Put Kevin Porter Jr. on Leave After Assault Against Girlfriend, Former WNBA Player Kysre Gondrezick
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Demands NBA Put Kevin Porter Jr. on Leave After Assault Against Girlfriend, Former WNBA Player Kysre Gondrezick
Leading gender justice advocacy group urges NBA to put Kevin Porter Jr. on leave, demands Houston Rockets take disciplinary action against Porter for domestic abuse
NEW YORK, NY — On Monday, Kevin Porter Jr. of the NBA’s Houston Rockets was arrested and arraigned by prosecutors in Manhattan for assaulting his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick.
Gondrezick told police that Porter punched her repeatedly in the face with a closed fist, cutting her above the right eye and causing bruising and substantial pain to her face. Gondrezick sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck.
In response to the news, Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet, a national gender justice advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“We are deeply disturbed by Kevin Porter Jr.’s actions and extend our unequivocal solidarity and support to Kysre Gondrezick as a survivor of domestic abuse.
“Moreover, we urge the NBA to take a dignified stance against domestic violence by placing Kevin Porter Jr. on administrative leave immediately as the league conducts its own internal investigation into Porter’s conduct. With Porter’s distressing record of domestic violence, we also urge the Houston Rockets to take tangible disciplinary action against him as well.
“For too long, the NBA has responded to incidents of domestic violence committed by players with meager slaps on the wrist. This sends an awful message — not just to players, but to NBA fans and survivors of domestic abuse everywhere.
“It’s time for the NBA and commissioner Adam Silver to take action against domestic violence by holding players like Kevin Porter Jr. accountable.”
UltraViolet has a long history of holding sports leagues and their leaders, including the NFL, accountable for their complacency toward players who commit domestic violence.
In 2015, the group launched the #GoodellMustGo campaign, demanding Commissioner Roger Goodell’s termination after his failure to adequately address domestic violence in the NFL and tolerance for sexual harassment against women employees.
In 2020, UltraViolet insisted that the NFL compel Dan Snyder to sell the Commanders after an investigation revealed his role in enabling, encouraging and fostering a hostile workplace and toxic culture for women. Last month, the demand was met after NFL owners voted unanimously for the team’s sale from the Snyder family.
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BREAKING: UltraViolet Responds to 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision Restricting Mifepristone Access
()FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
BREAKING: UltraViolet Responds to 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision Restricting Mifepristone Access
National Gender Justice Group Says Decision Highlights Broken Court System, Calls on Health Insurance Companies to Expand Abortion Coverage
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Moments ago, the Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit held that the FDA’s actions unlawful after the agency allowed the drug mifepristone, an effective abortion and miscarriage care medication, to be taken after 6 weeks of pregnancy, mailed directly to patients, and prescribed by a medical professional other than a doctor.
The 5th Circuit’s decision will have no immediate impact on the availability of mifepristone and faces likely appeal to the Supreme Court.
In response to the decision, Nicole Regalado, VP of Campaigns, a leading gender justice advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“If the Supreme Court refuses to take this case or affirms the 5th Circuit’s decision, it will severely restrict access to mifepristone nationwide. Today’s decision is a likely first step toward a massive blow to reproductive rights in the United States – and a stark reminder that our courts have been hijacked by Republican extremists who will stop at nothing to advance their sexist agenda.
“Mifepristone is a safe, legal FDA-approved medication. The 5th Circuit’s politically motivated decision to curtail access to this life-saving drug, despite its availability for the past twenty-three years, is detrimental to us all.
“In times like these, every single one of us must make a choice: Will we stand by and let extremist judges impose their sexist agendas on millions of people, or step up to protect the rights of women and pregnant people to make decisions about their bodies? History will remember which side we choose.
“UltraViolet and our 1 million members call on health insurance companies to expand abortion coverage for as many people and in as many states as possible, and the Biden Administration to ignore any court ruling that undermines the FDA’s authority and goes against science to restrict access to mifepristone.
“Today’s decision should sound the alarm for anyone who supports access to reproductive healthcare. Mifepristone saves lives. Your support is needed now more than ever.”
In anticipation of the ruling last month, UltraViolet called on:
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The Biden Administration to ignore any court ruling that undermines the authority of the FDA — a single judge should not have the power to halt a federal agency’s authority, especially not over a safe medication available for more than twenty years;
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All insurance providers to cover abortion care, even in the face of a potential mifepristone ban, and speak out against the ruling.
Earlier this year, UltraViolet commissioned a mobile billboard in Phoenix, AZ at the American Pharmacists Association Conference, urging pharmacists to continue advocating for the protection of access to mifepristone.
VIEW THE PHOTOS HERE: https://dam.gettyimages.com/
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