While the bravery of these women has been widely applauded, much of the online conversation that has followed is deeply triggering, especially for those who have been victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Social media platforms such as X have become forums for some, men in particular, to dismiss, downplay, or even justify the abuse allegations at hand. As a result, many have been confronted with harmful opinions from partners, family members and friends as these stories of abuse have unfolded. As one X user shared: “Emphasising to women, especially the young ones, that a basic litmus test for a man you’re considering dating is to ask him his thoughts on Tory, Diddy, R Kelly, DDG, etc.”
