Shadows of Silence: The Parallels of Abuse in Hollywood and the Church – Ruth Institute Shadows of Silence – Advice from a Survivor

October 7, 2024

A culture of silence and exploitation

As a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, I have often struggled with the ways in which powerful institutions (such as the Catholic Church) protect abusers and exploit the vulnerable. The Church is a place that should serve as a moral beacon. Instead, the country has too often turned a blind eye to abuse within its walls. It has too often damaged the trust of countless individuals.

While we should be able to hold the Catholic Church to a higher standard, this failure is not a problem unique to the religious world. The same patterns of silence, exploitation and cover-ups can be found in other churches and in other powerful sectors. Hollywood is one such prominent example. For years it has hidden its abuses behind a facade of glitz and glamour.

What does this say about our culture? Why are those in power silent? Why do they so often choose to protect their own country instead of the innocent?

The shortcomings of two institutions: the Catholic Church and Hollywood

The failures of the Catholic Church are regrettable, but they are not isolated. More and more we see similar patterns in Hollywood. More and more victims of abuse are coming forward to share their stories. In recent years we have heard revelations about figures like P. Diddy, Harvey Weinstein and many others. The case of Justin Bieber, a young talent who was thrust into the spotlight at the age of fourteen, is a particularly shocking example. Bieber, like many others, was surrounded by greedy adults who valued profit over his well-being. He found himself in situations that no child should ever have to deal with.

There is a striking similarity between the Church and Hollywood. In the Church, abuse hides behind faith, false humility and claims to holiness. In Hollywood, abuse hides behind the lure of fame, fortune and glamour. Yet at the core of both lie the same driving forces: pride and power. In both cases, those in power exploit the vulnerable for their own gain. Predators and far too many individuals remain silent to protect themselves and their institutions.

The roots of the problem

Where abuse occurs, there is often more than just an isolated incident here and there. These situations of sexual abuse almost always involve grooming, manipulation and abuse of power. They are also often found alongside other forms of evil such as human trafficking, abortion and pornography, all of which involve reducing people to mere objects. Whether it’s a priest abusing their position of authority or a Hollywood manager exploiting young talent, the underlying motivations are disturbingly similar.

The stories of victims like Justin Bieber should horrify us all. Far too many individuals in Hollywood and other institutions have been forced into a world of unimaginable pressure and abuse. In the case of child victims, the adults they should trust and protect turn a blind eye. They only care about themselves and protecting their profits – greed and selfishness on beautiful display. Just as the Church provides protection against abusive priests, Hollywood continues to prioritize money and fame over the safety and dignity of the vulnerable.

Is this the price of power? Should we throw up our hands and accept that those in power will always protect their interests at the expense of those who exploit them?

Hypocrisy and a call for justice

As Catholics we are called to uphold the dignity of every human being. But how can the Church speak out against Hollywood abuses, especially in the wake of its own moral failings? You would like to think that the Church has learned from its mistakes. Unfortunately, the clerical abuse crisis has to some extent destroyed the Church’s credibility as a moral authority. This credibility has not yet been fully restored. Survivors like me have long demanded accountability, transparency and reform. For too long, too many victims were met with silence. Believe it or not, the silence remains in favor of “more pressing” issues such as the environment, LGBTQ issues, and ultra-feminists demanding the “right” to become ordained deacons and priests.

This silence is not unique to the Catholic Church, or any institution for that matter. Hollywood protects its abusers – well-known and powerful individuals such as Harvey Weinstein and Hugh Hefner have made their careers by humiliating others for personal gain. Even figures like “shock jock” Howard Stern, while not physically abusive as far as we know, have contributed to a culture that objectifies and exploits people in the name of “entertainment.”

Although some high-profile individuals have faced justice, many still remain protected by powerful institutions. They continue to attack the vulnerable. What does this say about our culture? Why are so many of us so willing to look the other way?

Breaking the cycle of silence

To break the toxic cycle of silence, exploitation and abuse, the Catholic Church, Hollywood and all institutions must face their sins and shortcomings head-on. The Catholic Church in particular must set a good example. She must work to restore her credibility so that she can once again be a real voice for the vulnerable. In Hollywood, the exploitation of artists for profit, fame and influence must end. The dignity and well-being of all people must be respected.

Abuse must be addressed with honesty and courage. For too long, silence has protected abusers instead of victims. For too long, the powerful have gotten away with exploiting the vulnerable. We cannot look the other way and pretend that this reality does not exist. Ignoring it doesn’t solve anything. Whether in the Church, in Hollywood or anywhere else, abuse must be exposed and addressed. All predators must be held accountable. Survivors must be protected and supported.

A call to responsibility

We cannot demand accountability, transparency and fairness from one institution while ignoring the failures of another. The abuse crisis within the Catholic Church shattered many people’s confidence in its moral authority. Yet the failure of the Church is unfortunately reflected in other parts of society. This also includes the entertainment industry.

Speaking out against abuse is not enough. We must also demand action and take action. Whether it is the Church, Hollywood or any other powerful institution, the exploitation of the vulnerable must stop. Trust cannot be restored nor can healing occur until the profound damage that has been done is honestly addressed. This is no time to be silent. We must take action.

Are we really prepared to hold all institutions accountable, even those we feel personally connected to? Facing the truth requires both humility and acceptance. Do we have the courage to do that? Or will we continue to hide the powerful behind their wealth, influence and deceptive appearances? How we respond to these questions will determine whether real, lasting change can finally happen.

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