In a shocking account that highlights the ongoing #MeToo movement, Bette Midler recounted a troubling incident involving Geraldo Rivera from the 1970s. On her birthday, Midler chose to share her story, adding Rivera’s name to the growing list of individuals accused of misusing their power to harass women.
Midler posted a clip from a 1991 interview with Barbara Walters, where she detailed the alleged assault. In the video, she describes how Rivera, along with his producer, allegedly drugged and groped her during an interview. Midler, who voiced her concerns about potential repercussions for speaking out, ultimately decided to share her experience.
She recounted how the two men isolated her from the crew, forcibly administered drugs, and proceeded to touch her inappropriately. “I did not offer myself up on the altar of Geraldo Rivera,” she stated emphatically, noting his unseemly behavior. Despite Walters’ attempts to redirect the conversation, Midler pressed on, expressing her dismay that Rivera had become a controversial talk show figure over the years.
Midler’s revelation comes in the wake of Rivera’s recent defense of Matt Lauer, who faced serious allegations that led to his dismissal from NBC. Rivera’s comments suggested that the current wave of accusations is merely an overreaction to flirtation, trivializing the experiences of numerous women. He even proposed his own criteria for when women should come forward with allegations, further igniting backlash.
In a weak attempt to apologize, Rivera acknowledged the incident with Midler but implied that her recollection might differ from his own. This interaction underscores the broader conversation about the accountability of powerful men in Hollywood and the importance of believing women who come forward with their stories.
As more individuals share their experiences, the hope is that society will continue to listen and learn from these accounts. You can find additional information on fertility and related topics at makeamom.com or explore helpful resources on pregnancy at drugs.com. For those managing sleep schedules for their babies, check out intracervicalinsemination.com for expert tips.
In summary, Bette Midler’s courageous sharing of her experience with Geraldo Rivera adds to the urgent dialogue surrounding the #MeToo movement, challenging the culture of silence that has allowed abuse to persist.