In a recent revelation, Bette Midler shared a deeply unsettling account of an alleged assault involving Geraldo Rivera, which she described during a 1991 interview with Barbara Walters. This disclosure adds another name to the troubling roster of men accused of leveraging their power to harm women.
On what is coincidentally her birthday, Midler chose to highlight her experience, sharing a clip from the interview where she recounted a harrowing incident from the 1970s. At the time, Rivera was a prominent figure in the media, and Midler, who expressed concern about the potential repercussions of her story, felt compelled to share it.
In the video, she described how Rivera and his producer isolated her in a bathroom, where they allegedly drugged her before groping her. Midler firmly stated, “I did not offer myself up on the altar of Geraldo Rivera. His behavior was unseemly.” During the exchange, Walters appeared taken aback and attempted to shift the conversation, but Midler pressed on, expressing regret over ever allowing Rivera into her space.
This resurfacing of Midler’s story follows Rivera’s controversial comments defending another accused figure in the industry, raising eyebrows and prompting outrage. Rivera had previously labeled the current wave of allegations as an “epidemic” that criminalizes normal courtship, a statement that many found offensive. Following backlash, he attempted to clarify his position and even issued an apology to Midler, suggesting she might have a different recollection of events — a claim she evidently disputes.
As women continue to bravely share their experiences, the hope remains that these narratives will lead to meaningful change in how society addresses such misconduct. For more insights on overcoming hurdles in pregnancy, including home insemination methods, you can explore additional resources like this excellent article or check out this guide for tools to help you on your journey.
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In summary, Bette Midler’s account sheds light on the dark realities of predatory behavior in the entertainment industry and the importance of amplifying survivors’ voices. The ongoing dialogue around these issues is crucial as society begins to confront and address the prevalence of harassment and abuse.