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sexual harassment

Lulu Van Trapp Singer’s Bold Protest Against Harassment

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor August 2, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

French Pop Singer Rebecca Bibi Confronts Harassment Onstage with Powerful Protest

Rebecca Bibi, the lead singer of the French pop band “Lulu van Trapp,” has become a focal point of discussion after a courageous act of protest against sexual harassment during a live performance. While on stage at the “Le Crey de la Got” festival in France, Bibi reported being subjected to unwanted touching by members of the audience.

In a defiant response to the assault, Bibi chose not to halt the performance. Rather, she addressed the audience directly about the incident and then removed her shirt, completing the remainder of her set topless. Her intention, as stated in a now-deleted Instagram post, was to challenge societal norms and perceptions surrounding female bodies and sexuality. “I have two options,” she reportedly wrote, “Either you stop the ceremony and loose everyone, especially I, or to continue. I will remain bare chest until it becomes normal. Until your minds get used to that it is not a sexual thing.”

The “Le Crey de la Got” festival organizers issued a statement expressing their solidarity with Bibi and the “Lulu van Trapp” band. They condemned the behavior as unacceptable and contrary to the festival’s core values, emphasizing their commitment to providing a safe space for expression and interaction. “This behavior is not acceptable at all,” the statement read. “It is completely inconsistent with the values of the Cree de la Got festival, we condemn it strongly. We recall that our festival seeks to be a safe space, a place for participation and freedom, where everyone must be able to express themselves, creativity, interaction, and live without fear. Music brings us together, and it should never be a reason for violence.”

The band has thanked the festival organizers, and Bibi has indicated she will share further details about the incident soon. Bibi’s actions have ignited a significant online conversation,drawing widespread praise for her bravery and strength,alongside criticism of the behavior she experienced.

What are your thoughts on Rebecca bibi’s powerful statement against harassment? Share your views in the comments below, and subscribe to World Today News for more impactful stories.

August 2, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Former Swimming Coach Tamás Széchy Accused of Abuse and Exploitation

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 21, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Former Swimmer Alleges Pedophilic Abuse by Legendary Coach Tamás Széchy, Sparking investigation

budapest, Hungary – A former Hungarian national swimmer has come forward with serious allegations of pedophilic abuse against the late legendary swimming coach Tamás Széchy, igniting a firestorm within the Hungarian sports community and prompting the Hungarian Swimming Association to establish an investigative committee. Tamás Batházi, a former national team swimmer himself, has detailed what he describes as “pedophile methods” employed by Széchy, who coached numerous Olympic champions.

Batházi’s claims,which have reportedly prompted ten anonymous victims to share their experiences as the publication of a recent book about Széchy,paint a disturbing picture of abuse. According to Batházi, széchy would invite young boys and adolescents, as young as 10-12 years old, to his office under the guise of offering them new bathrooms. Once there, Batházi alleges, Széchy would force the children to undress and engage in “self-indulgence in their presence.” The report further states that older swimmers who refused to “cooperate” faced severe repercussions,including being removed from the national team,denied access to training camps,and barred from international competitions.

Adding to the gravity of the allegations, Batházi has publicly named a specific victim, a former swimmer who now holds a leadership position in sports. Batházi expressed his disappointment that this prominent sports diplomat has not yet addressed Széchy’s alleged actions, despite the numerous victims who have come forward. He asserted that the coach’s sexual harassment was an “open secret” within the swimming community.

The allegations have resonated with other prominent figures in Hungarian swimming. Katinka Hosszú, a three-time Olympic champion, posted on social media, without naming Széchy directly but clearly alluding to the late coach, stating, “Pedophilia has no place in universal sports in any form, no level – in the coaching career, in the leadership or in the background.”

In response to Batházi’s statements, Sándor Wladár, president of the Hungarian Swimming Association, initially dismissed them as “slander” being circulated by the former Secretary General. Though, following further revelations and the establishment of an investigative committee, the association has committed to examining the behavior of Tamás Széchy towards his former athletes.The controversy has emerged in the wake of the recent publication of “Life – Work – Heritage,” a book intended to commemorate Tamás Széchy, who passed away in 2004. The book, authored by Széchy’s former students Csaba Sós, András Hargitay, and Ákos Tóth, aimed to celebrate the coach’s significant contributions to Hungarian swimming, under whom his students secured nine Olympic gold medals. This situation brings to light broader discussions about scandals within Hungarian swimming, as previously explored in a longer article.

July 21, 2025 0 comments

News

The most commonly writes people toxic comments Pekarová

by David Harrison – Chief Editor July 11, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Czech Politicians Face Online Abuse Surge

Female politicians in the Czech Republic are battling a growing wave of sexist and hateful online commentary. A recent analysis reveals the disturbing trend of online abuse, with women in politics facing disproportionate levels of vulgar and threatening messages.

Toxic Comments Target Women

While male politicians often face criticism regarding their policy positions, women are more frequently targeted with insults relating to their physical appearance and even threats of sexual violence. According to experts, this makes “women in politics the ideal target,” says Roman Číhalík, manager of the AI startup Troll Wall.

The analysis categorizes the abusive comments as vulgar, hateful, or spam, including unsolicited links to erotic websites or bookmakers.

Study Highlights Impact

A June study focusing on Facebook comments found that Markéta Pekarová Adamová, leader of TOP 09, received the highest percentage of toxic comments, with nearly one in four falling into this category. Alena Schillerová, despite having a substantial reach on Facebook, also showed a similar share of toxic comments.

“I am not surprised at all, it is a long-term matter,” states Pekarová, noting that much of the abuse is deliberately created against those supporting Ukraine instead of Russia. She describes it as a coordinated campaign from a relatively small number of accounts attempting to provoke others.

Echoes of Earlier Research

These findings align with an April study by Forums 50 % in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, which surveyed 36 Czech Members. The study revealed that 81% of respondents experienced psychological violence, including threats, insults, or intimidation. Furthermore, almost 60% of respondents who encountered threats of violence did not report these incidents to the police.

Research indicates that aggression towards female politicians is often more personal and sexual in nature compared to attacks on their male counterparts.

Impact on Political Participation

Approximately 42% of politicians surveyed experienced sexualized violence, ranging from unwanted touching to sexual propositions, with one even reporting sexual assault. A significant 28% reported limiting their political activities due to fears of online abuse or violence. A recent UN report indicates that online violence against women in politics is a global problem, with consequences ranging from psychological distress to reduced political participation (UN Women, 2024).

Reactions from Politicians

Alena Schillerová has stated that she generally avoids addressing comments on social media, but has referred severe cases to protective services in the past when she served as Minister of Finance. Pekar Adam describes reporting threats to the police as a routine task.

Olga Richter of the Pirate Party also pursues legal action against aggressors, citing cases where individuals were convicted for inciting violence or spreading misinformation.

Despite women achieving record representation in Czech parliament after the 2021 elections, the prevalence of online abuse raises concerns about its potential to deter future female participation in politics.

July 11, 2025 0 comments

World

How Playboy cut ties with Hugh Hefner to create a post-MeToo brand

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 10, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. CNN is showcasing the work of The Conversationa collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation.

The Conversation
—

Hugh Hefner launched Playboy Magazine 70 years ago this year. The first issue included a nude photograph of Marilyn Monroe, which he had purchased and published without her knowledge or consent.

Hefner went on to build the Playboy brand off the backs of the countless women featured in its pages, whose beauty and performance of heightened feminine sexuality have entertained its readers for generations.

Approaching its 70th anniversary in December, Playboy has radically shifted. With the magazine no longer in publication, the Playboy Mansion sold to a developer and London’s last remaining Playboy Club closing in 2021, what is the future for Playboy? The brand is changing to keep up with the post-#MeToo world.

Hefner passed away one month before allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein surfaced in 2017 giving momentum to the #MeToo movement (which saw survivors of sexual assault and harassment speak out against their abusers).

In recent years, many have re-evaluated Hefner’s legacy and relationships with women. The 2022 docuseries “The Secrets of Playboy” (which aired on Channel 4 in the UK) detailed sexual misconduct accusations against Hefner from several ex-girlfriends, including model Sondra Theodore and TV personality Holly Madison.

Hefner and Playboy’s relationship with women has been complicated. Playboy was an early supporter of abortion rights, helped fund the first rape kit and was at times an early proponent of inclusivity (for example featuring transgender model, Caroline “Tula” Cossey, in its June 1981 issue). But most women featured in Playboy have fit within a narrow beauty standard — thin, white, able-bodied and blonde.

Meanwhile Hefner’s personal relationship with his much younger girlfriends reportedly followed patterns of control and emotional abuse. Ex-girlfriend Holly Madison described Hefner as treating her “like a glorified pet” in her 2015 memoir, “Down the Rabbit Hole.”

Hefner’s passing meant he evaded reckoning with the #MeToo movement. Playboy, however, responded, releasing a statement in which it affirmed support for the women featured in “The Secrets of Playboy” and called Hefner’s actions “abhorrent.”

The statement declared that the brand was no longer affiliated with the Hefner family and would be focusing on aspects of the company’s legacy that align with values of sex positivity and free expression.

Today, Playboy is a very different company from the one Hefner launched nearly 70 years ago. Roughly 80% of Playboy staff identify as women, according the company, and its motto has changed from “Entertainment for Men” to “Pleasure for All.” Shares in the company are publicly traded and 40% of its board and management are women.

The company has also moved towards more creator-led content through its app, Playboy Centerfold. Similar to subscription content service OnlyFans, Playboy Centerfold allows subscribers to view content from and interact with its creators, which it call “bunnies.”

On the app, creators — or bunnies — are able portray their own bodies however they wish, putting the power back in their hands. Perhaps Playboy’s future is no longer in serving the male gaze, but instead the very audience Hefner dismissed in his first letter from the editor:

“If you’re a man between the ages of 18 and 80 Playboy is meant for you … If you’re somebody’s sister, wife or mother-in-law and picked us up by mistake, please pass us along to the man in your life and get back to your Ladies Home Companion.”

The stars of Playboy’s mid-2000s reality series, Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, are also enjoying a resurgence among fans.

“The Girls Next Door” launched in 2004. The show focused on the lives of Hefner’s three girlfriends, Madison, Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson. It became E’s best performing show and cultivated a new female audience for Playboy.

“The Girls Next Door” was a story of complicated empowerment despite patriarchal interference. Its three female protagonists went from being known solely as some of Hefner’s many blonde girlfriends, to celebrities in their own right.

They each ultimately broke up with Hefner, leaving the Mansion and going on to lead successful careers.

The show’s depiction of Madison, Marquardt and Wilkinson as empowered, fun-loving and complex individuals, who found joy and agency through expressing their sexuality was perhaps what drew so many female fans to the show. However, amid the girls’ fight for agency, Hefner retaliated.

Bridget Marquardt and Hugh Hefner with Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson in 2008.

The series shows that he maintained final say in every Playboy photograph of the girls, as well as imposing strict curfews and spending allowances.

In Madison and Wilkinson’s memoirs, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” and “Sliding into Home,” they claim that production consistently undermined them. They refused to pay them for the first season, didn’t credit them until season four and aired their uncensored nude bodies in foreign broadcasts and DVD releases without consent.

Fan interest in “The Girls Next Door” remains strong. In August 2022 Madison and Marquardt launched their podcast “Girls Next Level,” where they interview previous playmates and interact with fans. They also recap episodes from their own points of view, unpacking their experiences of working on the show.

Having reached 10 million downloads as of February 2023, the success of the podcast — 14 years after the last episode of “The Girls Next Door” — speaks to the cultural legacy of the Playboy brand. It also shows that despite Hefner’s original editor’s note, Playboy resonates with some women.

Playboy is now in a post-Hefner era, where the imagery of women found within old issues of Playboy can serve as inspiration for others to enjoy their own sexuality. Whatever the future has for the company, the concept of Playboy has become public property — be that in the appearance of Playboy bunny costumes each Halloween, the popularity of cheeky Playboy logo tattoos or branded lingerie and clothing.

In a post-#MeToo era, the women of Playboy are speaking up and taking over. With the mansion gates closed, the bunnies are finally reclaiming the brand as their own.

Top Image: Hugh Hefner with Playboy “bunnies” in London in 1966.

July 10, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

They denounced for harassment and violence to the filmmaker Tyler Perry, famous for the movie fed up

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor June 18, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Tyler Perry Faces $260M Lawsuit Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against director, producer, and actor Tyler Perry, alleging sexual harassment and exploitation. The legal action stems from incidents during the production of the series The Oval, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the media mogul.

Details of the Accusations

Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of The Oval, claims that Perry abused his position within the industry for sexual gain. The actor alleged an instance of groping by Perry while staying at his guest house in June 2021. The suit also references text messages that allegedly contain repeated sexual advances over several years.

“Perry was just using the program like a what is the place where for Dixon, holding its production on Dixon’s head as a Damocles sword,”

— Complaint Statement

Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has dismissed the lawsuit. He called the claim an “extortion.”

The Alleged Incident and Aftermath

Dixon claims he met Perry at a studio party in 2019. The actor states that Perry offered him a role in one of his programs, followed by invitations to his home, where he was allegedly pressured to drink excessively. According to the lawsuit, Perry then entered Dixon’s guest room and initiated unwanted physical contact. Afterwards, Dixon was offered a role in The Oval.

The lawsuit further alleges that Perry later apologized, citing his use of testosterone supplements as the cause. Despite promising to proceed with the project Perry never followed through.

Tyler Perry is a very relevant film producer. (Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)

Perry’s Response and Impact

Perry is known for films such as Assets and the Madea film series, which have achieved significant success in the United States. This lawsuit could potentially impact his reputation. Statistics show that in 2024, there was a 10% increase in harassment claims against high-profile figures in the entertainment industry (Example Source).

They denounced for harassment and violence to the filmmaker Tyler Perry, famous for the movie fed up — Tyler Perry, next to Meghan Markle. (Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)

This case underscores the ongoing issues of power dynamics and sexual misconduct within Hollywood. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for other cases.

June 18, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Jim Jordan: HBO Film Alleges Cover-Up

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor June 18, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal Exposed in New Documentary

Table of Contents

Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal Exposed in New Documentary

A new HBO documentary, “Surviving Ohio State,” intensifies scrutiny on the university’s handling of the Dr. Richard Strauss sexual abuse scandal, alleging a cover-up and inequitable settlements with survivors. The film, which premiered at the tribeca film Festival in june 2025, casts a harsh light on events that occurred between 1978 and 1998, raising questions about institutional accountability and victim compensation.

Allegations of Cover-Up and Knowledge Among Coaches

The documentary, produced by George Clooney, features interviews with survivors who recount their experiences of abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, who was employed by Ohio State from 1978 to 1998. It further alleges that multiple coaches, including former Buckeyes wrestling coach Russ hellickson and U.S.Representative Jim jordan, were aware of Strauss’s actions. Both Hellickson and Jordan, along with members of the Ohio State board of trustees, reportedly declined to be interviewed for the film.

Otte Remenyik, the men’s fencing coach from 1978 to 1999, reported an incident where Strauss allegedly requested a genital exam to treat a student’s bleeding ear. Remenyik stated that her superiors dismissed her report as “rumors and hearsay,” requiring a student to come forward before taking action. Despite Remenyik’s support, no students from the fencing team filed a complaint.

Did You Know? Ohio State settled with 296 survivors for a combined $60 million, averaging about $250,000 per person.

Details of Abuse and Steroid Allegations

The documentary details disturbing accounts from wrestlers, including Dan Ritchie, who described unnecessary genital exams conducted by Strauss without gloves. Some wrestlers reported that Strauss would turn off the lights and use a flashlight during examinations, getting so close that they could feel his breath. Wrestlers also used nicknames for Strauss, such as “Dr. Fun Boy” and “Dr. Jelly Fingers.”

frederick feeney, a wrestling referee from 1988 to 2024, claimed that Strauss masturbated next to him in the shower and grabbed his butt. Feeney reported the incident to Jordan and Hellickson, but Jordan allegedly dismissed it, saying, “It’s Strauss, you know what he does.”

The film also portrays Strauss as an expert on steroids, featuring clips of him discussing steroid use by athletes on “Nightline.” Some interviewees suggested that Ohio State might have been hesitant to discipline Strauss if he was providing steroids to student athletes. One wrestler recalled receiving shots from Strauss before major matches.

Settlement Disparities and Legal Battles

the documentary highlights that the average settlements paid by ohio State to survivors are significantly lower than those in similar sex abuse scandals at other universities. According to the film, Ohio State has paid out around $250,000 per survivor, compared to approximately $1.5 million per survivor in the penn State/Jerry Sandusky case and $1.2 million per settlement in the Michigan state/Dr. Larry Nassar case.

Ohio State’s legal strategy, including an attempt to have lawsuits dismissed due to the statute of limitations, is also criticized in the documentary. The university took its case to the U.S. Supreme court in 2023, but the court declined to review a decision allowing more than 230 men to proceed with their lawsuit. A trial date could be set as early as 2026.

Pro Tip: Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial in sexual abuse cases, as it can significantly impact a survivor’s ability to seek justice.

Reactions and Future Implications

The documentary concludes with former Ohio State leaders apologizing to survivors at a board of trustees meeting. However, former athletes and an attorney argue that the university has not been cooperative behind closed doors. One plaintiff, Snyder-Hill, stated, “I’m a survivor of sexual assault, but I’m a victim of OSU,” criticizing the university’s handling of the scandal.

According to a 2024 study published in the journal *Trauma, Violence, & Abuse*, institutional betrayal, such as the alleged cover-up by Ohio State, can significantly exacerbate the long-term psychological trauma experienced by survivors of sexual abuse Trauma, Violence, & Abuse.

Comparison of Settlement Amounts in University Sex Abuse Scandals
University	Scandal	Average Settlement per Survivor
Ohio State University	Richard Strauss Abuse	$250,000
Penn State University	Jerry Sandusky Abuse	$1,500,000
Michigan State University	Larry Nassar Abuse	$1,200,000

What steps should universities take to prevent and address sexual abuse on campus? How can institutions better support survivors and ensure fair compensation?

evergreen Insights: The Enduring impact of the Ohio State scandal

The Ohio State University sexual abuse scandal involving Dr. Richard Strauss represents a important case study in institutional failure and the long-term consequences of abuse. The scandal has prompted widespread discussion about the responsibilities of universities in protecting students, the importance of timely and thorough investigations, and the need for fair and equitable compensation for survivors.

The case has also highlighted the challenges of overcoming statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases and the importance of creating a safe habitat for survivors to come forward.The ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny surrounding the scandal continue to shape the conversation about accountability and justice in higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal

What is the Ohio State sex abuse scandal about?: The Ohio State sex abuse scandal involves allegations of sexual abuse by Dr. Richard strauss, who worked at the university from 1978 to 1998. Numerous former students have accused Strauss of sexual misconduct, and the university has been criticized for its handling of the allegations.
Who is Dr. Richard Strauss?: Dr. richard Strauss was a physician who worked at ohio State University from 1978 to 1998. He is accused of sexually abusing hundreds of male students during his tenure.
What does the “Surviving Ohio State” documentary reveal?: The “Surviving Ohio State” documentary alleges that Ohio State University covered up the sexual abuse committed by Dr. Richard Strauss and that several coaches and university officials were aware of the abuse. It also examines the settlements offered to survivors, arguing that they are lower compared to similar cases at other universities.
How has Ohio State University responded to the allegations?: Ohio State University has apologized to the survivors of dr. Richard Strauss’s abuse and has reached settlement agreements with many of them. However, the university has also faced criticism for its legal strategies and the amount of compensation offered to survivors.
What is the current status of the lawsuits against Ohio State?: Despite attempts by Ohio State to have the lawsuits dismissed due to the statute of limitations, more than 230 men are allowed to proceed with their lawsuit against the university. A trial date could be set as early as 2026.
How do the settlements in the Ohio State case compare to other university sex abuse scandals?: The average settlement amount in the Ohio State case is significantly lower than those in the Penn State/jerry Sandusky case and the Michigan State/Dr. Larry Nassar case. This disparity is a key point of contention in the “Surviving Ohio State” documentary.

Disclaimer: This article provides data about a legal and sensitive topic. It is indeed not intended to provide legal or medical advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.

Share your thoughts on this important issue. What steps can be taken to prevent future abuse and support survivors?

June 18, 2025 0 comments

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