Hollywood sex abuse rally draws hundreds

UNITED STATES: Hundreds of people marched in the heart of Hollywood yesterday to support victims of sexual assault and harassment, inspired by a social media campaign that has portrayed such abuse as a pervasive feature of American life.

The #Metoo march and rally followed a relentless series of accusations by men and women who said they were victimised by high-powered figures in the entertainment industry. But marchers said they also represented men and women who had been sexually abused as children and in other situations.

‘‘I’ve been sexually assaulted multiple times throughout my life,’’ said marcher Tara Mcnamarra, 21, of Los Angeles. ‘‘It’s affected me in every aspect of my life.’’

She said the march was cleansing after years of not being taken seriously about having been abused.

Women made up a majority of the crowd, although men made a strong showing of support.

The marchers walked along the noted ‘‘Walk of Fame’’ until they reached the Los Angeles headquarters of news network CNN at Sunset and Cahuenga Boulevards.

Along the way, participants noted the stars of actors and producers accused of sexual harassment.

The allegations have inspired an online campaign, tagged #Metoo, that has encouraged people in all walks of life to reveal their own experiences with sexual harassment and assault, often years after they occurred.

Among the most recent allegations, five women detailed sexual misconduct accusations against Emmy-winning comedian Louis CK last week.. He admitted to the misconduct on Saturday and apologised. – Reuters