Hermoso kiss sparks sexism debate beyond football Published 4 hours ago
Ms Bates says other women will look at what happened and ask "what possible chance do I have of being believed?".
A BBC survey in 2017 found half of British women have been sexually harassed at work or a place of study. More than 60% of those said they did not report it.
"What we're seeing happening to Hermoso here on the world stage is so devastatingly familiar for millions of women," says Ms Bates.
"The man who takes advantage of a work event, a Christmas party, a handshake, a photo, to lean in too close, put their hand lower than they should.
"And then the self-doubt about whether you're over-reacting, or misinterpreting it, and the pain of other people telling you you're making something out of nothing."
World Cup kiss unleashes social tsunami in Spain
Spanish FA boss Rubiales suspended by Fifa
Who is suspended Spanish FA chief Rubiales?
Many in Spain are standing by Hermoso, releasing statements, resigning and refusing to play. Regional leaders within the Spanish football federation have called on Rubiales to resign.
Others continue to defend Rubiales. His mother has gone on hunger strike.
Ms Bates says the more people who "stand united in support... the greater chance we have of creating a world where this behaviour is not tolerated".
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, football presenter and journalist Semra Hunter says she has never seen Spanish society "come together so unanimously... and agree this was completely inappropriate behaviour".
"It's not just about a kiss, it's about so much more," she says. "This is a reflection, as well, of wider society and how sexual abuse and sexual violence and misogyny and machismo has been normalised for far too long."
She says women had never felt safe enough to speak openly "because normally they would be shamed or humiliated or wouldn't be believed".
Rubiales faces a possible legal inquiry as well as an internal investigation. The repercussions on his career are yet to be decided.
Font BBC
11
views
Ex-Prosecutor Breaks Down Trump's Worst Case Scenarios
America’s political and legal institutions are bracing for their next extreme test posed by former President Donald Trump.
Trump’s prediction on Saturday that he could be arrested this week – and his attempt to ignite a preemptive backlash – made what had been the theoretical prospect of an ex-president and 2024 candidate being criminally charged appear much more real. And it signaled America is headed for an even more politically divisive ordeal that will test his influence over the GOP.
The property developer, ex-reality TV star and former commander in chief faces multiple investigations after seeking to overturn the 2020 election and over his handling of classified documents after leaving office. But his most immediate exposure may be in a case over an alleged hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
As of the weekend, Trump had not received any official notification that he will be charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. But a grand jury process appears to be in its final stages and Trump’s legal team has been preparing for the possibility of an indictment, sources have told CNN.
Source CNN
11
views