Bombshell Revelations
Izze Johnson, Loveland Intern
The 2019 film Bombshell, written by Charles Randolph and directed by Jay Roach, tells the story of the women who spoke out against the abusive actions of Roger Ailes, the CEO of Fox News. First to come forward is Gretchen Carlson, who discloses the harassment she has experienced and files a lawsuit against Ailes himself. Carlson’s actions impact much of the workplace environment, leading other women to come forward with their own experiences of harassment in the Fox workplace.
Although this film focuses on the abuse of power within the Fox News business environment, this pattern of abuse can be found in virtually all aspects of society, from a top news station, to a service sector job; from academic settings, to interactions between property owners and tenants.
Anywhere there exists a power disparity, there exists the potential for abuse.
A striking aspect of the film is the portrayal of the obstacles that stand in the way of reporting the harassment that has taken place. The women in the film are dependent upon their abuser for their careers: refusing the advances of Ailes may cost them their job, as could speaking out against the harassment they are subjected to. Not only that, but Ailes controls all means of communication, meaning that any report made within the workplace can be intercepted or shared with him prior to any action being taken on the report. This pattern of systematically suppressing the voices of those lacking institutional power is not unique to New York City newsrooms; this is a pervasive phenomenon across the globe.
The real work comes with considering how to address this issue. To have over 20 other women come forward with allegations of abuse, as happened in the film, is a horrific and heartbreaking display of the scope of abuse; yet it is an equally complicated and distressing reality that many people find themselves alone in this situation, whether they truly are isolated in this abuse or whether this feeling is a result of the abuser’s coercion. As took place in the film, the first step toward putting an end to the harassment is finding someone, anyone, to speak with. Gretchen Carlson was able to work directly with attorneys Nancy Smith and Neil Mullin, and while this may be a possibility for some victims/survivors of abuse, cost and access can be major barriers to this direct legal resource. In these cases, it is community organizations like SAVA that can provide the opportunity to speak out and seek assistance.
Bombshell tells the story of a nationally recognized workplace harassment case, yet it is vital to remember that this pattern sadly occurs at all levels of the professional sector, in all regions of the world, and to people from all walks of life. This is a globally pervasive phenomenon. Through whatever means possible, speaking up and sharing experiences can be an effective way to end this cycle of abuse. As a victim services organization that is open to any and all community members, SAVA is a place where those facing this and any form of abuse will be listened to, believed, and supported.