United States: CFWIJ Condemns The Sexual Harassment Of Five Women Journalists
Location: United States
Date: February 4, 2021
PHOTO CREDIT: MASHABLE PAKISTAN
Five anonymous women sports journalists were harassed by the former New York Mets manager and current pitching coach Mickey Callaway. They accused him of sending them inappropriate texts and asking for their private pictures. The women journalists also said that they received unnecessary personal comments about their appearance from Mr Mickey and it made them feel extremely uncomfortable.
They also revealed that he's been exhibiting this behaviour for the last five years. CFWIJ is very alarmed to know that such an unfortunate pattern exists in the media industry. We really hope that the Mets management shall conduct a fair inquiry and take necessary action against the present coach.
Five women from sports media reported harassment from Mickey Callaway in a detailed report published by The Athletic. One reporter accused him of sexually harassing her while doing an interview. Another female reporter said that Micky would only share information about the Mets if she shared drinks with him. Two women stated that they were already warned by the colleagues in the media about his conduct with women journalists. One more woman reporter mentioned that it was the worst secret that the sports world has ever kept.
According to details published, Callaway reached out the female reporters through texts and emails and also through social media. Since the allegations have surfaced, The Angels have suspended him. The Mets president Sandy Alderson has issued a statement as well about being appalled to learn about the allegation against Mr. Callaway.
The report has caused a stir as it’s being connected with the firing of Jared Porter by the Mets. Porter, the former general manager, was terminated after he accepted sending unsolicited messages to a female reporter in 2016. Jared sent more than 60 messages in a row to the female reporter. The journalist had to quit her career because of harassment she faced.
Britt Ghiroli, a writer and contributor for The Athletic shared in her tweet that “People wonder why women don’t come forward against men in power. This was five women, documented evidence. Mickey Callaway is denying any wrongdoing.”
People wonder why women don’t come forward against men in power. This was five women, documented evidence.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) February 2, 2021
Mickey Callaway is denying any wrongdoing.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the sexual harassment of five women journalists. We are alarmed to know these recent cases of harassment in the sports industry. We urge the management at the Mets to take necessary measurements to ensure a safe environment for working women journalists. We stand in solidarity with five women sports journalists for their bravery and courage.
The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.