Thread by @TaraVanHo

A thread on misogyny, abuse, & the Royal Family:

I don't like talking about the Royal Family, but after reading yet another story quoting #MeganMarkle's dad, I think the news media needs to keep a few things in mind when quoting #ThomasMarkle & @piersmorgan:

[1]

Based on @piersmorgan's statements:
1) Megan befriended him online
2) They met in person
3) Her relationship w/ Harry went public
4) PM starts dishing about her & their friendship on air, presumably to gain ratings
5) She stops speaking to him
6) He complains she's a snob.

[2]

Any girl who has lived through 7th grade knows this story: guy wants to use you for his popularity, claims publicly he got further with you than he did, then calls you a snob when you no longer speak to him.

It's manipulative & steeped in misogyny.

[3]

#ThomasMarkle isn't very different but is worse:

1) They're estranged but related
3) She asks him to be a part of her big day
2) He sells his story to a tabloid, invading her privacy
3) She writes a letter seeking reconciliation (I've not read it, but read lawsuit coverage

[4]

4) He sells the letter, replicating the very invasive and manipulative behavior that has caused them strain already
5) She cuts him off
6) He continues to get publicity to air his side while all she has sought is privacy on the issue.

#ThomasMarkle is emotionally abusive.

[5]

Instead of recognizing the problems evidenced by TM & PM's behaviour, the press amplifies their messages, and in doing so amplifies the personal and abusive harm to Megan (and to women everywhere watching this unfold).

[6]

Is there any other situation in which we would allow the press to do this to a child suffering from abusive behaviour by a parent? Any time in which even an adult child is treated this way?

[7]

And would the press really allow an ex-boyfriend who has shown himself to be verbally and emotionally abusive to his ex-girlfriend (and let's be real; PM acts like an ex-BF) the platform to continue that abuse when the relationship is done?

[8]

I expect this to fall on deaf ears but I keep thinking of all the girls watching this unfold & internalizing the message that the voices of men who abuse them will always carry greater weight than their own voices, and can follow them no matter how much they try to escape.

[9]

So my plea to @TheSun @MSN @DailyMailUK - and yes, @GMB - please stop amplifying the messages of misogyny and abuse perpetuated by @piersmorgan & #ThomasMarkle, respectively. Stop giving air to people who have betrayed her & who aren't in her life.

10/10