Padma Lakshmi's Strong Piece On Rape Prompts A Woman's Attacker To Come Forward And Apologize
We are finally in the wake of a major change in the world. As women, we can gauge and be a little hopeful of the fact that finally there can be a massive change in the world if our stories get genuinely heard and not 'judged'.
US television host Padma Lakshmi's op-ed in the New York Times was not only a way for her to speak her truth, but it was also a way for others to realize the truth about their own actions.
The Top Chef host, 48, spoke at the Open Endoscopy Forum on Friday - just three days after she wrote a powerful piece for the Times in which she revealed she was raped by her 23-year-old boyfriend when she was 16. Speaking at the forum held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lakshmi told the audience that she had one woman approach her to tell the host how she was personally impacted by the op-ed, reports people.com.
Padma Lakshmi
"There was this woman that came up to me and said, ‘I read your piece and I wanna thank you and it was really moving,'" she recalls of her interaction. The woman then went on to explain that she received "an email from someone I haven't seen since high school, and it was the boy who assaulted me. And he sent me the link to the article and he said, ‘I'm sorry. I didn't know then what I know now and I shouldn't have ever done that to you. And I apologize.'"
While Padma Lakshmi explained that the past week has been a whirlwind and difficult to process, she has no regrets at sharing her story. "I'm very glad I did it. The stories women and men have shared with me have become some of the most moving things I have read, felt, discussed in my life."
She proudly adds,
Padma Lakshmi
"I had a family write to me yesterday morning about their daughter who was raped last week on campus. And she went to campus police and did all of the things you need to do: rape kit, examined. And then her father wrote to me because he said she was having second thoughts about pressing charges. I don't blame her and I don't think anybody can blame her. It certainly underlined the truth."
On Friday she also told the audience that she felt compelled to write the op-ed in light of the inquiry into the sexual assault accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh by Dr Christine Blasey Ford, calling it "an emergency situation."
padma lakshmi
That's not all. After Padma Lakshmi told her story, there were several women on the internet who came out and started sharing their stories.
Thank you for writing this. I have been so angry with myself for not reporting my date rape 30 years ago. I am still working through it in therapy while he undoubtedly moved past it years ago. Thanks for making me feel like I am not alone.
— Cachpa70 (@cachpa70) September 26, 2018
At 16 I was dated raped in the back seat of old Rambler by a guy down the street that "took me for a drive in the country", he was 19. I never told anyone, I lost my virginity then too. I'm 63 now, and still remember the feeling of being assaulted. We didn't discuss those things
— mayo (@mayo12219065) September 25, 2018
It never does.
— oddmanout (@oddmanout) September 25, 2018
I was sexually abused by my school’s pastor from ages 12 to 16. It took me over 20 years to finally come forward and tell my wife. I was terrified of the repercussions. The abuse was devastating and it never leaves you.
Everyone thought the pastor was a great guy. pic.twitter.com/bTkWMJ4KD0
I was one of the female victims of the catholic church, molested by a priest back in the—70's? Early to mid-70's. 59 + 13 = '72. Fits the timeframe? Desperate for priests, they lowered their standards. He wanted to be cool. I found him creepy.
— Spiritual Annie (@Spiritual_Annie) September 25, 2018
I'm sorry you had to go through it
I am so sorry you are having to go through this. My assault happened almost 15 years ago, but I refused to acknowledge it until it made me last year and everything spiralled for a while. Still is, to be honest. You are sharing and connecting, which is something I've just ...
— Tisha McSharry (@Obsessive_Geek) September 25, 2018
I’m so sorry he did this to you. Thank you for sharing. pic.twitter.com/c3Bd81z1Kz
— Ginger Lyn 💐 (@Ginger_Lyn_66) September 25, 2018
Thank you for sharing. This is my rape story too. I passed out after a night of drinking and woke up to being penetrated. I still blame myself for putting myself in that situation. And I’ve never talked about till now. It happened 15 years ago. You are a hero.
— DPatrick Lopez (@dpatricklopez) September 26, 2018
