Sports press and sexual violence: a need to review

The Noctámbul@s Observatory has published a report analyzing the impact of the sports press on narratives about sexual violence in sport. The result, frankly, is devastating. Based on the analysis of half a thousand news stories, it is clear that some media outlets continue to fuel toxic narratives, based on re-victimization, systematic questioning of the testimony of alleged victims, or the inclusion of opinions favorable to the aggressor. Some examples of the latter: "Karl-Heinz Rummenigge defends Rubiales for the kiss with Hermoso: "There's no need to exaggerate"" (The World, which in its subtitle attempts to justify the opinion of its sister-in-law with the subtitle: "The German knows what it's like to be a world champion and lose his composure during the celebrations." Tremendous credentials, comrades. "Dani Alves makes a child happy on the beach: "The best person in the world"" (report on the beach ofAce, while the footballer was awaiting sentencing). "Dani Alves' mother exonerates of the sexual assault of her son: "He is one of those boys who will make your chair for you" (Brand. Obviously, what the hell is a mother supposed to say). "Dani Alves' brother denies sexual assault: "He fell into a trap" (Ace. The same as mom, but now with the brother). "Cerezo: "As I am not in Jenni's body nor in Rubiales's, I don't know who should apologize to whom" (The World. Call me, Cerezo, and I'll answer your question, if your players haven't already done so in Morse code and with calbots.

I'd like to think that the need to manufacture clicks has driven some of these media outlets to produce news of more than dubious news value. But this is just my own willful thought. The other possibility is that so much accumulation isn't accidental. And that their proximity to power—in this case, sports—has made their journalism hostile to its victims.