Rose McGowan Twitter Suspension Women Boycott 2017

Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.

Rose McGowan has emerged as a crucial voice on Twitter in the fight against sexual violence in Hollywood. The actress came out in 2016 to accuse a "studio head" of rape in a series of tweets. Those tweets prompted other voices to support her, including singer Kesha.

Over the past week, she has been instrumental in keeping followers updated about the latest allegations of sexual harassment and assault against disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein (McGowan has not been specifically named as a victim of Weinstein's in news pieces). She has used her Twitter account to discuss her assault and share stories that users send to her, as well as tell Ben Affleck to fuck off.

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This morning, Twitter suspended her account for a terms of service violation. In a statement, they said that McGowan had tweeted a private phone number, triggering the suspension.

Fans and followers of McGowan immediately began criticising Twitter for, among other things, silencing a sexual assault advocate while not suspending someone who uses his account to instigate hostile foreign countries. Women on the service are also organising a boycott of the service in a show of solidarity with McGowan, using the hashtag #WomenBoycottTwitter. The boycott protest is intended to for a full day, tomorrow, Friday October 13.

We spoke to French user @lucie_inland, about why she's planning on boycotting Twitter tomorrow, and she says "I'm totally angry and disgusted. Such a shame Twitter chose to suspend her account and not harassers' ones (and you know it's happening every day)." Other users expressed why they are supporting the boycott as well.

I'll be boycotting Twitter tomorrow in support of @rosemcgowan, @bravenak, and all women who have been silenced by Twitter for speaking the truth. #WomenBoycottTwitter
— Candice Aiston (@CandiceAiston) October 12, 2017

Men invited too. @rosemcgowan’s experience is one that should never be repeated, and if you support that, #womenboycottTwitter Fri Oct 13. https://t.co/n12bDvnm5B
— Heidi N Moore (@moorehn) October 12, 2017

Men and non-binary users are also invited to boycott Twitter for the day.

Oooh. I am just seeing this now. I am totally in. Let's do this, female Tweeps. Boycott Twitter tomorrow, Friday October 13th, in solidarity w women like @bravenak and @rosemcgowan and @jemelehill being silenced. #WomenBoycottTwitter https://t.co/RQKBOct5kq
— Jennifer (@leftyjennyc) October 12, 2017

This user also acknowledged the silencing of Jemele Hill.

#WomenBoycottTwitter Friday, October 13th. In solidarity w @rosemcgowan and all the victims of hate and harassment Twitter fails to support. https://t.co/G0my9EyKpQ
— Kelly Ellis (@justkelly_ok) October 12, 2017

It's worth noting that Twitter is roundly criticised for allowing women to be attacked and harassed on its service with impunity, and many feel that Twitter doesn't do enough to prevent it.

If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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