I know this post might be controversial, and I understand that many people may react strongly to it. But I still want to share my perspective, and I hope this space can allow room for discussion and different points of view.
I’m sharing this not as a defender of the accused. I don’t personally know him, and I’m not even from the theater industry. But I am speaking as someone who has experienced assault myself, although in a different industry. Because of that experience, I’ve learned that online spaces are rarely the best place to seek justice, accountability, or real solutions.
When situations like this become public too quickly, especially on anonymous platforms, it often turns into anger, speculation, and witch-hunting from people who are not directly involved. I understand where that anger comes from, but I also know how easily the real issue gets lost. Instead of focusing on safety, proper reporting, and accountability, the conversation becomes centered on public shaming.
From my own experience, I learned that justice becomes possible when there is due process and when there are clear systems of protection in place. Simply cancelling someone online does not automatically create safety. It does not guarantee accountability, and it does not always protect future victims. Sometimes, it only creates noise and distracts from finding actual solutions. For me, the most important question is workplace safety. Are there clear reporting channels? Are victims protected and supported? Are companies creating environments where people feel safe to speak up without fear of retaliation? Are there proper policies and consequences in place?
If we really care about the theater industry and the people working in it, then the goal should be building safer spaces, not just reacting to one case at a time. Real change happens when companies, productions, and institutions take responsibility for prevention, protection, and proper action.
I know this might sound like I’m defending the accused, but I’m really not. I just believe that justice should lead to something constructive. Not just punishment, but actual safety for everyone moving forward.
For me, justice means making sure no one else has to go through the same thing again.