Apparently, YouTube isn’t just for stupid human tricks, song covers, and crazy campaign videos anymore.
A 16-year-old girl from Florida took her case to the Internet after prosecutors in Florida dropped rape charges against her 23-year-old alleged attacker. The intense video post is titled “A 16 year old rape victim needs help,” and at this point has been viewed by nearly 300,000 people.
Of course, commenters on YouTube are well-known for being muuuuch more sympathetic than law enforcement officials and prosecutors. Comments have ranged from “She looks like she was asking for it” to “She is just a pissed-off hussie that wants the man prosecuted now that he dumped her or whatever he did to her.” Cool, guys. Thanks!
CNN picked up the story and spoke to the teenager about the whole thing. Sadly, this alleged victim’s story isn’t that uncommon: one in four young women in America have been sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). What is unusual here is the YouTube plea.
The girl has posted the alleged rapist’s criminal case number, so we know this isn’t a LonelyGirl15 situation. But what do you think about calling someone out as a rapist online? Is this an effective way to get help — or is she opening herself up to more harm than good? And should the Internet serve as a court of public opinion when the actual judicial system has failed you?
The YouTube clip in question, after the jump.
Filed Under: Tragedy, activism, internet, trials
However ms. Crystal's tears seems to be contrived and it appears as if she is auditioning or performing for an audience.
Now personally I am too mature and wise to not know that people grieve in different ways and despite a certain melodramatic edge to Crystal's plea, this could really be the real deal.
In that case, I really feel bad for Crystal and her plight and I hope she gets the justice you seeks.
If in fact this is some twisted ploy to get attention, then I would say shame on ms. Crystal!