Lauren Ashcraft  🌹Compte certifié

My first “real” job was a temporary position at HUD. It probably hurt my campaign that I didn’t speak about my background and passion for housing policy, but unfortunately my experience at HUD was tainted by sexual harassment from my boss.

I disclosed I was uncomfortable around my boss to a female colleague who rightly reported the guy for me even though I asked her not to tell. Thereafter other women who witnessed his behavior stood up for me and reported it too.

Shortly after, my temporary employment ended even though an extension was being dangled by my harasser before he was reported. It was a really depressing start to my professional life. I asked myself if I attracted that kind of attention for years.

Fast forward to the comedy scene in NYC. I was just starting to really feel at home in a Brooklyn club, was even working on writing a comedy series with a group of comedians and the club owner when all the sudden this owner just fucking disappeared from the face of the earth.

Completely confused, I reached out to people who may know where he was and was horrified and disgusted to learn that he had been accused of raping a fellow comedian. He never addressed any accusations and as far as I know just completely disappeared from comedy and nyc.

I was so disgusted that for a while I started to produce my own shows rather than going on anyone else’s. I couldn’t believe I missed the signs and never wanted to collaborate with someone who hurt women ever again.

When Tara Reade told her story about Joe Biden, I believed her right away. Why? It’s scary, humiliating and uncomfortable to open up about something so personal with the entire world. To have death threats, to have people assume you want attention. I believe her.