A year ago today actress and activist Alyssa Milano tweeted, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.” From there #metoo went viral. It was a movement that was started 10 years earlier by Tarana Burke, but found new life after Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual abuse. Milano, who was sexually assaulted as a teenager, has continued to speak out and become a big voice in the movement. Today she is sharing a very emotional video she made months ago for her daughter. It feels more appropriate than ever after the sexual abuse allegations against newly confirmed Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
One year ago I recorded this for my daughter, explaining why I shared my story of sexual assault. I never expected to release it publicly. Now, I feel it’s too important not to share. #MeToo
Dear Elizabella,
I love you so. I will fight so you don’t have to.
Love, mama pic.twitter.com/TYk5XXFksY— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2018
Burke is also marking the movement today through a series of tweets that, in part say:
“I didn’t know that @Alyssa_Milano sent out the first tweet until the following day. And that is when she found out about @MeTooMVMT and reached out to me. She tweeted an apology and posted our website and asked how she could amplify our work.”
“The most interesting thing happened over the next 24 hours. I posted a video of me giving a speech about
#metoo from 2014 and that went viral. And then people began to get confused – had “white hollywood” tried to steal this from a Black woman?!?”“The short answer, No. But I was definitely in danger of being erased if YOU ALL Black women and our allies and friends, didn’t speak up. But something else happened too. I watched for hours that first day as more and more stories poured out across social media from survivors.”
“I have wondered a lot this year why God chose to give me this platform and why I was trusted to shoulder this responsibility and every time I ask the question the answer shows up in a different way. I am not questioning anymore I am just grateful.”
✊ @TaranaBurke and @Alyssa_Milano joined us to talk about the anniversary of #MeToo, its legacy, and the upcoming election.
One thing is certain of the last year: Survivors have risen up to make their voices heard. pic.twitter.com/mdMGqrRa6L
— ACLU (@ACLU) October 15, 2018