Women’s Group Slams Media for Coverage of Matt Gaetz and Sexual Abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 2, 2021
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
Women’s Group Slams Media for Coverage of Matt Gaetz and Sexual Abuse
WASHINGTON, DC — As mounting sexual abuse and misconduct allegations surface against Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican and close ally of former President Donald Trump, Gaetz is currently under investigation by the United States Justice Department over potential statutory rape of a 17-year-old girl.
Allegations against Rep. Gaetz include showing photos and videos of nude women to fellow lawmakers and cash payments to several women in exchange for sex.
In response, Elisa Batista, campaigns director of UltraViolet, a leading national women’s advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“Let’s be clear, Matt Gaetz sexually assaulted a 17 year old girl. The age of consent in Florida is 18 years old. This was not a ‘sexual relationship,’ or a consensual encounter. Any media outlet that even suggests the possibility of consent from a 17 year old sets a disgraceful and dangerous narrative. An adolescent is not capable of consent with a 38 year old man. A 17 year old is not a woman. Full stop.
“While Gaetz’s behavior is shameful and reprehensible, Republican men openly bragging about sexual abuse and abusing their power while getting away with it is nothing new. The reality is that Gaetz was never fit to lead in the first place. These allegations are further proof, albeit distressing.
“There is a correlation between men like Matt Gaetz, who support the lies and disinformation that led to the deadly January 6th insurrection, violence and abuse against women.
“While we certainly don’t expect a man as vile as Gaetz to admit wrongdoing, the media has the responsibility to call this scandal for what it is: sexual abuse.”
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