Sexual Harassment: A Moment of Reckoning

Sen. Al Franken
A Los Angeles radio host says DFL U.S. Sen. Al Franken forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour and posed for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images File

It has been a little more than a year since President Trump, then candidate-Trump, faced furious criticism over the now infamous Access Hollywood video featuring his comments about groping women. He subsequently faced a barrage of sexual harassment claims. While the moment sparked a national conversation about sexual harassment, it did not quash his Presidential aspirations.

Over the past year, sexual harassment remained in the news, with accusations at Fox News, lawsuits and the resignations of prominent TV personalities.

But this fall, floodgates seemed to open and stories have been pouring out. After revelations about the movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, the hashtag #MeToo was born and more allegations surfaced in Hollywood, in sports, in business, in politics and at media organizations, including NPR. While accusations of sexual harassment are not new, this year's reactions and consequences are different.

In a new hour-long special called "Sexual Harassment: A Moment of Reckoning," NPR Weekend Edition Sunday host Lulu Garcia-Navarro looks at the significance of this moment and what it could mean for the culture.

To listen to the program, click the audio player above.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.