RAINN Statement on Washington Post's Suspension of Felicia Sonmez

Washington, D.C. - RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, released the following statement in response to reports that The Washington Post has suspended Felicia Sonmez:

“While our thoughts are with the families of all of the victims of the January 26 helicopter crash, we are deeply concerned by The Washington Post’s actions in placing Felicia Sonmez on administrative leave for sharing an article detailing an allegation of sexual assault in Kobe Bryant’s past.”

“While we don’t diminish Bryant’s professional accomplishments, it is disrespectful to survivors — and history — to pretend that the sexual assault allegation never happened. Punishing a journalist for focusing public attention on a legitimate news story is a dangerous precedent and unworthy of The Washington Post. We are grateful to Sonmez’s colleagues for speaking out against her treatment and in support of victims of sexual violence, and urge the Post to reinstate her immediately.” - RAINN

The rape kit backlog is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.

Read More

Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults, 310 are reported to the police.

More Stats

A $25 monthly gift can educate 15,000 people about preventing sexual violence. Can you think of a better way to spend $1 a day?

Donate Monthly