HIV advocates insist NY Post apologize for following hotel worker in DSK IMF case
Advocates for those living with HIV are calling on the New York Post to apologize for a story about the victim in the alleged rape case against former International Money Fund President Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Advocates say the news story may have improperly disclosed the victim’s HIV status
Jul 31, 20206.4K Shares304.8K Views
Advocates for those living with HIV are calling on the New York Post to apologize for a story about the victim in the alleged rape case against former International Money Fund President Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Advocates say the news story may have improperly disclosed the victim’s HIV status.
The Post storydrew widespread condemnation when it appeared Wednesday. In it, a Post reporter followed the victim from the hotel where Strauss-Kahn allegedly sexually assaulted her to a Bronx apartment building rented exclusively to those persons living with HIV/AIDS. Stauss-Kahn was accused of the assault over the weekend, and was arrested on an Air France flight as he was preparing to leave the country.
In a press statement, Housing Works, a group that works with HIV positive people, had this to say about the news report:
“„The Post’s reckless disregard for the sexual assault survivor’s confidentiality potentially jeopardizes her relationships with friends, family, and coworkers, and further victimizes a woman who may have already suffered a grievous attack. The tabloid headline of the story, as well as its glib, vulgar lead sentence are a transparent attempt to fan the flames of AIDSphobia.
“„“Once again the New York Post proves that they are happy to trample on human dignity to sell newspapers. There is no public interest in knowing this woman’s HIV status—yet the woman herself could suffer greatly from the revelation,” said Housing Works President and CEO Charles King. “The Post’s story is an attack on women and all people with HIV.”
An attorney for the victim denies she lives in the housing unit, or is HIV-positive, reportsthe New York Daily News. He also denies the victim consented to sexual contact with Strauss-Kahn.
Strauss-Kahn resigned as president of the IMF on Wednesday, and political experts say his political aspirations to be the Socialist candidate to challenge for the French presidency next year are dead.
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
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