On February 8th, CNN broke the news that renowned voice actor and coach Peter Rofé had sexually harassed at least thirty of his female students. Since then, thirteen other women have come forward with similar experiences. According to CNN, Rofé’s lawyer has denied wrongdoing on behalf of his client.
As a man, a voice actor, and a coach, I am disgusted by Rofé’s actions as described by his former students, and I was moved by how my female colleagues came together to share their stories so others could be safe. I dedicate the following to them.
Here’s to the women.
The brave, smart, ambitious women
who wanted to become the best in the business;
trusting a teacher
to inspire them, to coach them, to provide a safe space,
to be vulnerable, to be challenged, and supported.
He took their money, and their dreams
as he slowly peeled away the layers
in a maze of manipulation,
attempting to erase their inhibitions
while exposing himself
as the perverted, messed up man he was.
He abused his power, and his reputation
again and again,
stripping his students
of their confidence
and their aspirations,
until they realized that they were not alone.
One by one, they found the courage
to come forward, and speak about the unspeakable,
warning a community, and exposing the exposer
hoping he’d own up, face the consequences, and seek help.
So, here’s to the women.
The brave, smart, incredible women,
who knew they were not to blame
for this sick man and his game.
Here’s to the women who took back control.
Silent no longer. Empowered, and stronger
and stronger, and stronger.
Karma is indeed a Bitch!
Paul Strikwerda ©nethervoice
Over thirty women who say they were sexually harassed by Rofé have formed a private Facebook group. If you’ve had a similar experience with Peter Rofé and you’d like support, please contact voiceoverjusticeclub@gmail.com. Confidentiality is guaranteed.
Bravo!
May I add a “Brava” for the girls?
Well said, Paul. Too bad it had to said, but well said.
I agree, Paul. It also saddens me that it seems to take a celebrity to bring a certain issue to prominence. In the #MeToo case it was Harvey Weinstein. Our community now has Mr. Rofé. When these stories emerge, there’s usually an uproar that eventually loses steam. I do hope that the #MeToo movement manages to create lasting change, and that it will also positively affect the abused at the bottom of the social ladder.
Speaking from personal experience (not in the VO world, thankfully), it’s so easy to be scarred from such a situation and to categorically condemn all, or at least most, men in the process That’s why, for me, it’s so important to have the support of men in these situations, so thank you for your blog today, Paul.
You’re very welcome, Theresa. News tends to focus on the exceptions, meaning what we see and hear every day is not the norm. Thank goodness!
Thank you, Paul, for this tribute to our brave colleagues!
It’s what they deserve!
Awesome. I just recently heard about this story from other female colleagues sharing on Facebook. Absolutely disgraceful what this monster did. I’m glad they are finding strength as a whole. Thanks for shedding your light on such a dark subject.
I’m not a huge fan of trial by media, but men like Rofé need to be stopped. I really hope someone who’s had a recent experience with this man, is brave enough to take him to court.
This is beautiful, Paul. I hope your message sinks in deeply for those who have been afflicted by this disgraceful man. It is not their fault. It is good that people are coming forward to expose creatures like Rofé. The entertainment industry has been tainted for a very long time. Thank you, Paul and all of those who are finding the strength to come out to speak about the disgraceful side of this industry. Enough is enough. If we all support each other on this issue, we can clean house and finally make this industry a safe place place to work.
Amen to that!
Oh, wow, Paul….this one went right to the heart-strings! So eloquently put. I guess I’m just a clueless old man, but I can’t understand why men like Rofé, Weinstein and other men(?) in power stoop to such a low as to manipulate and abuse much younger and vulnerable women. I don’t get it and probably never will. Sometimes, lies are told to destroy someone but, when one woman after another comes forward, there’s one thing for certain: they can’t ALL be liars! Thanks for a marvelous, emotional blog.
Here’s the problem with these predators. If we’d attempt to understand this type of behavior, we’d have to rationalize it. Much of what drives this behavior isn’t rational.