There are some people in history that we automatically think of as being saints, ultimate bad*sses, and incapable of doing any wrong. They’ve contributed to societies in countless ways for the better, but their dark and abusive pasts may have been brushed under history’s rug. That is — until now.
Rape, anti-semitism, bone chilling accounts of pedophilia — these idolized people in history have time and time again gotten a free pass because of their celebrity. We all know Woody Allen sexually abused his then 7 year old stepdaughter back in the early 90s, but people still flock to his movies at theaters and film festivals. As a culture, do we like to forgive abuse for talent and charisma? It seems so.
So the next time you watch a Ghandi documentary and relish in his accomplishments, just remember that he used to encourage his 17 year old niece to have naked cuddles with him while he was in his 70s. Yikes.
