More than 50 British Members of Parliament are reportedly facing allegations of sexual misconduct, British media reported citing a parliamentary watchdog.

According to reports in The Guardian and the Sunday Times, 56 MPs have been referred to the parliamentary complaints body in relation to around 70 different complaints since 2018.&nbsp;

The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) was set up in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. ICGS is a Parliament's mechanism for handling complaints of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

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Out of the total, at least three ministers are also on the list, although the 56 MPs have not been named.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A government spokesperson told the Sunday Times: "We take all allegations of this nature incredibly seriously and would encourage anyone with any allegations to come forward to the relevant authorities."&nbsp;

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Recently, a British lawmaker from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative party who was convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy has resigned as a member of parliament, triggering a by-election that will be a test of Johnson's popularity.&nbsp;

Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, who represents the Wakefield area in northern England, had denied the allegation but was on Monday found guilty of assaulting the boy at a house in 2008.&nbsp;

Ahmad Khan was thrown out of the Conservative party when he was convicted. He plans to appeal the conviction.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Decoding Boris Johnson's India visit

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than 50 British Members of Parliament are reportedly facing allegations of sexual misconduct, British media reported citing a parliamentary watchdog. According to reports in The Guardian and the Sunday Times, 56 MPs have been referred to the parliamentary complaints body in relation to around 70 different complaints since 2018.

More than 50 British Members of Parliament are reportedly facing allegations of sexual misconduct, British media reported citing a parliamentary watchdog. According to reports in The Guardian and the Sunday Times, 56 MPs have been referred to the parliamentary complaints body in relation to around 70 different complaints since 2018. The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) was set up in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. ICGS is a Parliament's mechanism for handling complaints of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct. Also read | Report reveals US government's plan to nuke the Moon. Here's why Out of the total, at least three ministers are also on the list, although the 56 MPs have not been named. A government spokesperson told the Sunday Times: "We take all allegations of this nature incredibly seriously and would encourage anyone with any allegations to come forward to the relevant authorities." Also read | Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases Recently, a British lawmaker from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative party who was convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy has resigned as a member of parliament, triggering a by-election that will be a test of Johnson's popularity. Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, who represents the Wakefield area in northern England, had denied the allegation but was on Monday found guilty of assaulting the boy at a house in 2008. Ahmad Khan was thrown out of the Conservative party when he was convicted. He plans to appeal the conviction. Watch | Gravitas: Decoding Boris Johnson's India visit (With inputs from agencies)

Three British cabinet ministers accused of sexual assault: Report

A British conservative lawmaker who was recently convicted of sexually abusing a teenager back in 2008 has now resigned as a member of Parliament.

Imran Ahmad Khan’s resignation has triggered a by-election that could very well be a test of UK PM Boris Johnson’s popularity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-conservative-lawmaker-removed-from-party-after-being-found-guilty-of-sexually-assaulting-a-minor-470405">British conservative lawmaker removed from party after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor</a>

Khan, 48 who represents Northern England’s Wakefield area said he was quitting to "focus entirely on clearing my name".

A court on Monday found the politician guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year old boy. Following his conviction, Khan was thrown out of the conservative party and there were calls for his resignation from the parliament.

The MP has continuously denied the allegations and plans to appeal the conviction.

In a statement posted on Twitter, he said that his constituents have already been without any parliamentary representation for a year due to severe delays in the legal process.

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"Even in the best-case scenario," he continued, "anticipated legal proceedings could last many months."

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As per the unnamed victim, the encounter with Khan left him feeling "scared, vulnerable and numb."

By the complainant’s account Khan applied "slow caressing" to his legs; however, the MP, on the other hand, claims that he simply touched the teen's elbow after he became emotional during a discussion about his "confused sexuality."

Khan won the Wakefield seat in a landslide victory for the Conservatives in 2019, the by-election triggered by his retirement will be a litmus test for the party's chances of retaining the so-called "Red Wall" seats in former Labour strongholds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mp-imran-khan-sexually-assaulted-a-man-in-his-sleep-in-pakistan-468559">British MP Imran Khan sexually assaulted a man in his sleep in Pakistan</a>

This comes at a time when PM Johnson himself faces calls to resign due to the controversial ‘partygate’ scandal. He was on Tuesday fined by the authorities for attending a gathering for his birthday in June 2020. This was at a time when not the just UK but the whole global community was battling the Covid pandemic and facing innumerable lockdowns and other restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

A British conservative lawmaker who was recently convicted of sexually abusing a teenager back in 2008 has now resigned as a member of Parliament. Imran Ahmad Khan’s resignation has triggered a by-election that could very well be a test of UK PM Boris Johnson’s popularity.

A British conservative lawmaker who was recently convicted of sexually abusing a teenager back in 2008 has now resigned as a member of Parliament. Imran Ahmad Khan’s resignation has triggered a by-election that could very well be a test of UK PM Boris Johnson’s popularity. Also read | British conservative lawmaker removed from party after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor Khan, 48 who represents Northern England’s Wakefield area said he was quitting to "focus entirely on clearing my name". A court on Monday found the politician guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year old boy. Following his conviction, Khan was thrown out of the conservative party and there were calls for his resignation from the parliament. The MP has continuously denied the allegations and plans to appeal the conviction. In a statement posted on Twitter, he said that his constituents have already been without any parliamentary representation for a year due to severe delays in the legal process. pic.twitter.com/RBtTJjGFVT — Imran Ahmad Khan (@imranahmadkhan) April 14, 2022 × "Even in the best-case scenario," he continued, "anticipated legal proceedings could last many months." Watch | Gravitas: Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak "broke the law" As per the unnamed victim, the encounter with Khan left him feeling "scared, vulnerable and numb." By the complainant’s account Khan applied "slow caressing" to his legs; however, the MP, on the other hand, claims that he simply touched the teen's elbow after he became emotional during a discussion about his "confused sexuality." Khan won the Wakefield seat in a landslide victory for the Conservatives in 2019, the by-election triggered by his retirement will be a litmus test for the party's chances of retaining the so-called "Red Wall" seats in former Labour strongholds. Also read | British MP Imran Khan sexually assaulted a man in his sleep in Pakistan This comes at a time when PM Johnson himself faces calls to resign due to the controversial ‘partygate’ scandal. He was on Tuesday fined by the authorities for attending a gathering for his birthday in June 2020. This was at a time when not the just UK but the whole global community was battling the Covid pandemic and facing innumerable lockdowns and other restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

UK MP convicted of sexual assault against teen quits to focus on clearing his name; triggers by-elections

Imran Ahmad Khan, a Conservative MP from the United Kingdom, was found guilty on Monday of sexually abusing a 15-year-old child at a party in 2008 after forcing him to drink an alcoholic beverage.

The teen was pulled upstairs and forced onto a bed by Imran Ahmad Khan, 47, who represents the northern English city of Wakefield.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mp-imran-khan-sexually-assaulted-a-man-in-his-sleep-in-pakistan-468559">British MP Imran Khan sexually assaulted a man in his sleep in Pakistan</a>

Khan slowly caressed&nbsp;his legs, the anonymous victim told the court, leaving him feeling "scared, vulnerable, and numb," however, Khan denied the allegation and as per a BBC report he is planning on appealing to the convinction.

As per Khan he simply touched the teen's elbow because he was disturbed during a chat about his confused sexuality.

The complainant, now 29 years old, initially declined to register a complaint, but when Khan was elected to parliament in 2019, he took up the case.

Watch | Gravitas: Sexual abuse 'normalised' in UK schools

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He also claimed that he approached the Conservative Party press office days before Khan's election to inform them of what had happened, but that he&nbsp;"wasn't taken very seriously."

"In subsequent interviews with the police he was able to tell investigators more about what had taken place and I am pleased that the jury have accepted the victim’s compelling evidence about the offence committed by Khan,"&nbsp;said Rosemary Ainslie of the Crown Prosecution Service in the United Kingdom.

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Imran Ahmad Khan's sentence will be decided at a later time, however, he&nbsp;has been&nbsp;suspended from the Conservative Party, and a spokesman for the party announced on Monday that he had been removed "with immediate effect."

As anyone who receives a jail sentence of more than 12 months is immediately barred from being a member of parliament, his conviction might provoke an election for his parliamentary seat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Ahmad Khan, a Conservative MP from the United Kingdom, was found guilty on Monday of sexually abusing a 15-year-old child at a party in 2008 after forcing him to drink an alcoholic beverage.

Imran Ahmad Khan, a Conservative MP from the United Kingdom, was found guilty on Monday of sexually abusing a 15-year-old child at a party in 2008 after forcing him to drink an alcoholic beverage. The teen was pulled upstairs and forced onto a bed by Imran Ahmad Khan, 47, who represents the northern English city of Wakefield. Also read | British MP Imran Khan sexually assaulted a man in his sleep in Pakistan Khan slowly caressed his legs, the anonymous victim told the court, leaving him feeling "scared, vulnerable, and numb," however, Khan denied the allegation and as per a BBC report he is planning on appealing to the convinction. As per Khan he simply touched the teen's elbow because he was disturbed during a chat about his confused sexuality. The complainant, now 29 years old, initially declined to register a complaint, but when Khan was elected to parliament in 2019, he took up the case. Watch | Gravitas: Sexual abuse 'normalised' in UK schools He also claimed that he approached the Conservative Party press office days before Khan's election to inform them of what had happened, but that he "wasn't taken very seriously." "In subsequent interviews with the police he was able to tell investigators more about what had taken place and I am pleased that the jury have accepted the victim’s compelling evidence about the offence committed by Khan," said Rosemary Ainslie of the Crown Prosecution Service in the United Kingdom. Also read | 'Sadists, rapists': Russian forces using rape as punishing tactic in Ukraine, UN women's body voices concern Imran Ahmad Khan's sentence will be decided at a later time, however, he has been suspended from the Conservative Party, and a spokesman for the party announced on Monday that he had been removed "with immediate effect." As anyone who receives a jail sentence of more than 12 months is immediately barred from being a member of parliament, his conviction might provoke an election for his parliamentary seat. (With inputs from agencies)

British conservative lawmaker removed from party after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor

The dating app Tinder will offer its users a way to check if their potential dates have been convicted of violent crimes, a feature that experts warn has limitations.

The app's parent company Match Group announced on Wednesday it would offer access to Garbo, an online background check platform that can reveal if a person has any history of violence.

When users navigate to Garbo via the Tinder app, they will have to enter the name, phone number or other details of a potential date to find out if they've been arrested, convicted or listed on the sex offender registry.

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Tinder and other dating apps have been pressured to act after women claimed they were sexually assaulted by men they met on the platforms.

"This is just the first step in delivering on our mission to help proactively prevent harm in the digital age," Garbo founder Kathryn Kosmides said in a statement.

A free Garbo search would be offered for the first 500,000 searches, and thereafter an additional search would be charged a $2.50 processing fee.

Some offences such as possession of drugs, loitering, and vagrancy won't be listed in search results. Garbo added that personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers are not displayed.

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The company, in a blog post, stated that the service aims to prevent violence by providing information, but stated that there are limitations.

"Most violent individuals never interact with the criminal justice system and Garbo does not have access to all records across the United States due to jurisdictional challenges," the post said.

Nicole Bedera, a researcher specializing in sexual violence, told AFP most sexual assaults are never reported to authorities, and even documented cases face significant challenges in court.

"It's a very under prosecuted crime. And even when cases do move through the criminal justice system -- regardless of what country you're in -- you're going to see a low conviction rate," she added.

The incompleteness of criminal records and racial bias are among the concerns raised by Sarah Lageson, a professor at the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice.

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"Many white sexual predators do not have a criminal record and many Black people have a misleading or unfair one," she noted.

Garbo, for its part, acknowledged the dangers of the current era.

"In today's digital age, we're connecting with more strangers than ever before — yet we increasingly know less and less about who we're meeting," the company noted.

"What if we could proactively prevent some of the harm against ourselves and our communities?" it asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

The dating app Tinder will offer its users a way to check if their potential dates have been convicted of violent crimes, a feature that experts warn has limitations.

The dating app Tinder will offer its users a way to check if their potential dates have been convicted of violent crimes, a feature that experts warn has limitations. The app's parent company Match Group announced on Wednesday it would offer access to Garbo, an online background check platform that can reveal if a person has any history of violence. When users navigate to Garbo via the Tinder app, they will have to enter the name, phone number or other details of a potential date to find out if they've been arrested, convicted or listed on the sex offender registry. Also read | This American says falling in love with his AI girlfriend saved his marriage Tinder and other dating apps have been pressured to act after women claimed they were sexually assaulted by men they met on the platforms. "This is just the first step in delivering on our mission to help proactively prevent harm in the digital age," Garbo founder Kathryn Kosmides said in a statement. A free Garbo search would be offered for the first 500,000 searches, and thereafter an additional search would be charged a $2.50 processing fee. Some offences such as possession of drugs, loitering, and vagrancy won't be listed in search results. Garbo added that personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers are not displayed. Also read | At New York's first 'NFT ATM', buying digital art is as easy as buying candy The company, in a blog post, stated that the service aims to prevent violence by providing information, but stated that there are limitations. "Most violent individuals never interact with the criminal justice system and Garbo does not have access to all records across the United States due to jurisdictional challenges," the post said. Nicole Bedera, a researcher specializing in sexual violence, told AFP most sexual assaults are never reported to authorities, and even documented cases face significant challenges in court. "It's a very under prosecuted crime. And even when cases do move through the criminal justice system -- regardless of what country you're in -- you're going to see a low conviction rate," she added. The incompleteness of criminal records and racial bias are among the concerns raised by Sarah Lageson, a professor at the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice. Watch | Why does Tesla keep recalling cars? | Tech It Out "Many white sexual predators do not have a criminal record and many Black people have a misleading or unfair one," she noted. Garbo, for its part, acknowledged the dangers of the current era. "In today's digital age, we're connecting with more strangers than ever before — yet we increasingly know less and less about who we're meeting," the company noted. "What if we could proactively prevent some of the harm against ourselves and our communities?" it asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Is your match a sex offender, murderer? Tinder will soon let users run free background checks on their matches

UK Prince Andrew and his longtime accuser Virginia Giuffre have settled a sexual assault lawsuit for an undisclosed sum. The prince has not been criminally charged and has denied the allegations. The settlement means the civil case will not go to a jury trial.

UK Royal Prince Andrew settles sexual assault lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre

Prince Andrew, the disgraced British royal is fast becoming a lightning rod of nation's anger after reportedly settling Virginia Giuffre sexual assault lawsuit for a huge sum of 12 million pounds ($16.3 million, 14.3 million euros).

Virginia Giuffre had said that she had sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17 and a minor under US law, after meeting him through the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who took his own life in prison while awaiting trial for sex crimes.

Giuffre's lawyer revealed on Tuesday that both parties had settled out of court. This has spared Andrew the humiliation of a trial. Details of the settlement were not revealed.

The prince has not been criminally charged and has denied the allegations.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that Andrew was to pay £10 million to Giuffre and £2 million to a charity for victims of sex trafficking.

His team told AFP they would not comment on the contents of the deal.

The huge settlement has raised questions about who is footing the bill. The Telegraph has reported that the settlement amount would come from&nbsp;one of the private estates belonging to his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

The scandal has threatened to overshadow the queen's Platinum Jubilee this year, marking her 70 years on the throne. Any jury trial could have coincided with nationwide jubilee celebrations due to take place in the summer.

'Finished'

But British media said the prince was now "finished", and called on him to withdraw entirely from public life, after he was already stripped of his honorary military ranks and the title of "His Royal Highness".

"A man truly determined to clear his name of such heinous allegations would have fought tooth and nail... and then, if he won, tried to rebuild his life," said an editorial in The Sun.

"That is all over. Andrew is finished -- undone by his insufferable arrogance, entitlement and staggering naivety.

"He must retreat entirely from public life and live out his retirement in ignominy," it added.

British commentators also ridiculed Andrew for claiming he had never met Giuffre, querying why he had agreed in that case to settle for such an apparently large amount, and pointing to a photograph of the pair together when she was 17.&nbsp;

His lawyers had questioned the authenticity of the photo, which also showed socialite and Epstein friend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Others called for transparency on where the settlement money is coming from, whether from the queen's private income or from official sources effectively backed by British taxpayers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prince Andrew, the disgraced British royal is fast becoming a lightning rod of nation's anger after reportedly settling Virginia Giuffre sexual assault lawsuit for a huge sum of 12 million pounds ($16.

Prince Andrew, the disgraced British royal is fast becoming a lightning rod of nation's anger after reportedly settling Virginia Giuffre sexual assault lawsuit for a huge sum of 12 million pounds ($16.3 million, 14.3 million euros). Virginia Giuffre had said that she had sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17 and a minor under US law, after meeting him through the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who took his own life in prison while awaiting trial for sex crimes. Giuffre's lawyer revealed on Tuesday that both parties had settled out of court. This has spared Andrew the humiliation of a trial. Details of the settlement were not revealed. The prince has not been criminally charged and has denied the allegations. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that Andrew was to pay £10 million to Giuffre and £2 million to a charity for victims of sex trafficking. His team told AFP they would not comment on the contents of the deal. The huge settlement has raised questions about who is footing the bill. The Telegraph has reported that the settlement amount would come from one of the private estates belonging to his mother Queen Elizabeth II. The scandal has threatened to overshadow the queen's Platinum Jubilee this year, marking her 70 years on the throne. Any jury trial could have coincided with nationwide jubilee celebrations due to take place in the summer. 'Finished' But British media said the prince was now "finished", and called on him to withdraw entirely from public life, after he was already stripped of his honorary military ranks and the title of "His Royal Highness". "A man truly determined to clear his name of such heinous allegations would have fought tooth and nail... and then, if he won, tried to rebuild his life," said an editorial in The Sun. "That is all over. Andrew is finished -- undone by his insufferable arrogance, entitlement and staggering naivety. "He must retreat entirely from public life and live out his retirement in ignominy," it added. British commentators also ridiculed Andrew for claiming he had never met Giuffre, querying why he had agreed in that case to settle for such an apparently large amount, and pointing to a photograph of the pair together when she was 17. His lawyers had questioned the authenticity of the photo, which also showed socialite and Epstein friend Ghislaine Maxwell. Others called for transparency on where the settlement money is coming from, whether from the queen's private income or from official sources effectively backed by British taxpayers. (With inputs from agencies)

Queen Elizabeth to help son Prince Andrew pay 12 million pounds to settle sex assault case: Report

Calling a meritless "shakedown", the American rapper Snoop Dogg’s spokesperson has rubbished the allegations of an unidentified woman, who has filed a civil lawsuit after accusing him of sexual assault and battery when she attended one of his concerts in 2013. On Wednesday, the lawsuit was filed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes as the rapper is going to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show with other hip-hop artists near Los Angeles in some days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The musician "has never had any sexual encounter" with the woman and the allegations were "simply meritless," said the spokesperson for Snoop Dogg. &nbsp;

"They appear to be part of a self-enrichment shakedown scheme to extort Snoop Dogg right before he performs during this Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show," the spokesperson added. &nbsp;

"What is clear is that this shakedown scheme is disgraceful. This attempt to use the courts to advance this scheme is shameful too, and does a disservice to real victims who deserve to be believed," the spokesperson further said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-is-rihanna-expecting-twins-gigi-hadid-clarifies-her-comment-that-caused-confusion-452408" hreflang="en">Is Rihanna expecting twins? Gigi Hadid clarifies her comment that caused confusion</a>

The woman has been described as a model, dancer, host and actress, who worked with Snoop Dogg, though the spokesperson said she never worked for the artist. &nbsp;

The lawsuit has been filed in the Central District of California against Calvin Broadus aka Snoop Dogg. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Calling a meritless "shakedown", the American rapper Snoop Dogg’s spokesperson has rubbished the allegations of an unidentified woman, who has filed a civil lawsuit after accusing him of sexual assault and battery when she attended one of his concerts in 2013.

Calling a meritless "shakedown", the American rapper Snoop Dogg’s spokesperson has rubbished the allegations of an unidentified woman, who has filed a civil lawsuit after accusing him of sexual assault and battery when she attended one of his concerts in 2013. On Wednesday, the lawsuit was filed. This comes as the rapper is going to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show with other hip-hop artists near Los Angeles in some days. Also Read: Unnamed woman accuses US rapper Snoop Dogg of sexual assault in lawsuit The musician "has never had any sexual encounter" with the woman and the allegations were "simply meritless," said the spokesperson for Snoop Dogg. "They appear to be part of a self-enrichment shakedown scheme to extort Snoop Dogg right before he performs during this Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show," the spokesperson added. "What is clear is that this shakedown scheme is disgraceful. This attempt to use the courts to advance this scheme is shameful too, and does a disservice to real victims who deserve to be believed," the spokesperson further said. Also Read: Is Rihanna expecting twins? Gigi Hadid clarifies her comment that caused confusion The woman has been described as a model, dancer, host and actress, who worked with Snoop Dogg, though the spokesperson said she never worked for the artist. The lawsuit has been filed in the Central District of California against Calvin Broadus aka Snoop Dogg. (With inputs from agencies)

Snoop Dogg’s spokesperson rubbishes woman’s sexual assault allegations, calls it a meritless "shakedown"

The University of California said on Tuesday that it will pay compensation of nearly quarter of a billion dollars to 200 women who alleged sexual assault by a school gynaecologist.

James Heap, the gynaecologist was affiliated with university's Los Angeles site (UCLA) for 35 years. During this time, he saw thousands of patients.

Hundreds of lawsuits have claimed that the university deliberately hid the gynaecologist's sexual abuse of patients. This, they say, allowed him to continue to have unfettered access to alleged victims over many years.

In a settlement filed in a Los Angeles court, the university agreed to pay $243.6 million to 203 people who alleged they were assaulted by Heaps.

Heaps faces 21 criminal counts of sexual abuse against seven women.&nbsp;

"The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the University's values," a statement said Tuesday.

"Our first and highest obligation will always be to the communities we serve, and we hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved.&nbsp;

"We admire the courage of the plaintiffs in coming forward."

The settlement comes after the University of Michigan agreed to pay $490 million to hundreds of students and athletes who were sexually abused by long-time university doctor Richard Anderson.

Nearby Michigan State University reached a half-billion dollar settlement with 300 people who were abused by Larry Nassar, a doctor who also treated members of the US women's Olympics gymnastics team.

The University of Southern California announced in March last year that it had entered into three settlements totalling $1.1 billion with hundreds of female students sexually abused by a school gynaecologist.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The University of California said on Tuesday that it will pay compensation of nearly quarter of a billion dollars to 200 women who alleged sexual assault by a school gynaecologist.

The University of California said on Tuesday that it will pay compensation of nearly quarter of a billion dollars to 200 women who alleged sexual assault by a school gynaecologist. James Heap, the gynaecologist was affiliated with university's Los Angeles site (UCLA) for 35 years. During this time, he saw thousands of patients. Hundreds of lawsuits have claimed that the university deliberately hid the gynaecologist's sexual abuse of patients. This, they say, allowed him to continue to have unfettered access to alleged victims over many years. In a settlement filed in a Los Angeles court, the university agreed to pay $243.6 million to 203 people who alleged they were assaulted by Heaps. Heaps faces 21 criminal counts of sexual abuse against seven women. "The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the University's values," a statement said Tuesday. "Our first and highest obligation will always be to the communities we serve, and we hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved. "We admire the courage of the plaintiffs in coming forward." The settlement comes after the University of Michigan agreed to pay $490 million to hundreds of students and athletes who were sexually abused by long-time university doctor Richard Anderson. Nearby Michigan State University reached a half-billion dollar settlement with 300 people who were abused by Larry Nassar, a doctor who also treated members of the US women's Olympics gymnastics team. The University of Southern California announced in March last year that it had entered into three settlements totalling $1.1 billion with hundreds of female students sexually abused by a school gynaecologist. (With inputs from agencies)

US University to pay nearly quarter billion dollars over gynaecologist sexual assault claim

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has once again stepped back from allegations of sexual assault in an interview with a French newspaper at a hotel in Beijing. Peng said that she'd never accused anyone of sexual assault and added that she herself deleted her social media post back in November.

Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai walks back on sexual assault allegations

Queen Elizabeth II has stripped her second son Prince Andrew of all royal titles. He's no longer 'his royal highness' but a private citizen. What privileges did he enjoy as member of the British Royal Family? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Prince Andrew stripped of all royal titles

Britain's Prince Andrew will defend himself against a US civil suit alleging sexual abuse as a private citizen. This after the Royal Family removed Prince Andrew's military links and royal patronages.

How will the sexual assault lawsuit harm Prince Andrew?

A US judge denied Prince Andrew's plea to dismiss Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing the royal of sexually abusing her when she was underage. Now, Prince Andrew has lost the Royal status and Military links after the allegations and lawsuit.

UK's Prince Andrew stripped of Royal status & Military links amid sexual assault allegations

A US judge has denied Prince Andrew's plea to dismiss Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing the royal of sexually abusing her when she was underage.

Prince Andrew loses Royal status & Military links amid sexual assault allegations

UK's Prince Andrew loses royal and military links amid sexual assault allegations

Buckingham Palace said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth the Second's son Prince Andrew's honorary military titles and charitable roles had been returned to the Queen. Prince Andrew is currently facing a US civil case for sexual assault.

"With The Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen," a statement published on British Royal Family's verified Instagram handle said.

The statement added that Prince Andrew would fight allegations against him as a private citizen

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The announcement came after a judge in New York on Wednesday ruled against the 61-year-old prince, who had tried to have the case against him thrown out.

Andrew, a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who flew in the 1982 Falklands War, is accused of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre when she was 17.

Giuffre alleges the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein lent her out for sex with his wealthy and powerful associates.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-next-for-britains-prince-andrew-as-us-court-denies-plea-to-dismiss-sex-assault-case-444285">What's next for Britain's Prince Andrew as US court denies plea to dismiss sex assault case?</a> 
 
Andrew, who is ninth in line to the throne, was forced to step back from royal duties in late 2019, after a disastrous television interview in which he tried to defend his links to Epstein.

Public outrage at the time saw several charities and associations distance themselves from him, and he has since repeatedly denied Giuffre's allegations.

He has rarely been seen in public since the television interview.

On Thursday, he was seen being driven from his house near Windsor Castle, west of London, an AFP photographer said.

The announcement came after more than 150 Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army veterans wrote to the Queen, calling on her to strip Andrew of his ranks and titles in the armed forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Buckingham Palace said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth the Second's son Prince Andrew's honorary military titles and charitable roles had been returned to the Queen.

Buckingham Palace said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth the Second's son Prince Andrew's honorary military titles and charitable roles had been returned to the Queen. Prince Andrew is currently facing a US civil case for sexual assault. "With The Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen," a statement published on British Royal Family's verified Instagram handle said. The statement added that Prince Andrew would fight allegations against him as a private citizen View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) × The announcement came after a judge in New York on Wednesday ruled against the 61-year-old prince, who had tried to have the case against him thrown out. Andrew, a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who flew in the 1982 Falklands War, is accused of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre when she was 17. Giuffre alleges the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein lent her out for sex with his wealthy and powerful associates. Also Read | What's next for Britain's Prince Andrew as US court denies plea to dismiss sex assault case? Andrew, who is ninth in line to the throne, was forced to step back from royal duties in late 2019, after a disastrous television interview in which he tried to defend his links to Epstein. Public outrage at the time saw several charities and associations distance themselves from him, and he has since repeatedly denied Giuffre's allegations. He has rarely been seen in public since the television interview. On Thursday, he was seen being driven from his house near Windsor Castle, west of London, an AFP photographer said. The announcement came after more than 150 Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army veterans wrote to the Queen, calling on her to strip Andrew of his ranks and titles in the armed forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex assault case fallout: Prince Andrew's military titles, patronages returned to Queen Elizabeth

Prince Andrew to face sexual assault case, US judge denies plea

Just a few days before sexual assault claims against Chris Noth came up, his beloved character Mr Big was killed off from 'And Just Like That', a sequel of the wildly popular series 'Sex and the City'.

A mere coincidence? Or did the showrunners and industry insiders know that the avalanche of scandal was around the corner, and decide to give his character a heart attack on a Peloton machine?

For the moment, let us put the conspiracy theories aside. It may well have been a coincidence. 
But what is not a coincidence, is the predictable reaction cycle.

Noth loses work: His talent agency drops him, CBS drama 'The Equalizer' fires him. 
He loses business: a $12 million deal to sell his tequila brand is now off. 
His marriage is reportedly in trouble: wife Tara Wilson has removed her wedding ring, according to reports. 
His 'Sex and the City' co-stars <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chris-noth-sexual-assault-case-sarah-jessica-parker-cynthia-nixon-and-kristin-davis-respond-438665">support the accusers.</a>

Now rewind. Does it all smell like de ja vu?

And will it all fall by the wayside, like it appears in some of the most widely covered #MeToo cases?

Legendary comic Bill Cosby walked out of prison this year after reams of paper and television and internet hours were spent dissecting the charges against him. 
His sex assault conviction has now been overturned.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-slams-%E2%80%9Cmetoo-mob%E2%80%9D-on-wanting-to-overturn-rape-conviction-432939" hreflang="en">Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction</a>

Kevin Spacey, who was killed off from 'House of Cards' series, and edited out of 'All the Money in the World' where he played Paul Getty, is back at movie sets, after fighting off a series of allegations, mostly from younger men.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-kevin-spacey-back-to-filming-on-american-soil-following-sexual-assault-allegations-409324" hreflang="en">Kevin Spacey back to filming on American soil following sexual assault allegations</a>

 
And Harvey Weinstein, the most notorious of them all, is likely to go scot-free, if reports are to be believed. Apparently an appeals court in New York is not very sure about the conviction of the disgraced producer, allegations against whom actually started off the #MeToo movement.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-major-blow-to-metoo-harvey-weinstein-could-go-scot-free-as-appeals-court-raises-objection-on-conviction-437587" hreflang="en">Major blow to #MeToo? Harvey Weinstein could go scot free as appeals court raises objection on conviction</a>

The pattern, and its predictability, is nauseating: Knee-jerk reactions, statements of political correctness that involves taking the accused out of projects, ex-colleagues ditching the accused in public, press conferences, courtroom drama, quiet settlements, cooling off period, and back to normal.

Some of the accused, like Jeoffry Rush, successfully sued their way out of the scandals.

It remains to be seen if others who face similar accusations - &nbsp;R Kelly, James Franco- will go scot-free too.

The workplace remains a dangerous pit for many women, irrespective of country or continent.

Male chauvinism prevails in a world where hero-- and not heroine-- worship is the order of the day.

In South Korea, a K-Pop star Seungri ran a prostitution ring, while K-drama star Kim Seon Ho allegedly forced his former lover to abort their child and reportedly even set her on fire. Pop idol Kris Wu is accused of drugging and raping minor girls. Many of them issued apologies, and are 're-instated'.

No amount of campaigning seems to be able to bring justice to the victims, except in some rare cases.

The 'hero' invariably returns. Because the show must go on.

&nbsp;

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(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Just a few days before sexual assault claims against Chris Noth came up, his beloved character Mr Big was killed off from 'And Just Like That', a sequel of the wildly popular series 'Sex and the City'.

Just a few days before sexual assault claims against Chris Noth came up, his beloved character Mr Big was killed off from 'And Just Like That', a sequel of the wildly popular series 'Sex and the City'. A mere coincidence? Or did the showrunners and industry insiders know that the avalanche of scandal was around the corner, and decide to give his character a heart attack on a Peloton machine? For the moment, let us put the conspiracy theories aside. It may well have been a coincidence. But what is not a coincidence, is the predictable reaction cycle. Noth loses work: His talent agency drops him, CBS drama 'The Equalizer' fires him. He loses business: a $12 million deal to sell his tequila brand is now off. His marriage is reportedly in trouble: wife Tara Wilson has removed her wedding ring, according to reports. His 'Sex and the City' co-stars support the accusers. Now rewind. Does it all smell like de ja vu? And will it all fall by the wayside, like it appears in some of the most widely covered #MeToo cases? Legendary comic Bill Cosby walked out of prison this year after reams of paper and television and internet hours were spent dissecting the charges against him. His sex assault conviction has now been overturned. Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction Kevin Spacey, who was killed off from 'House of Cards' series, and edited out of 'All the Money in the World' where he played Paul Getty, is back at movie sets, after fighting off a series of allegations, mostly from younger men. Kevin Spacey back to filming on American soil following sexual assault allegations And Harvey Weinstein, the most notorious of them all, is likely to go scot-free, if reports are to be believed. Apparently an appeals court in New York is not very sure about the conviction of the disgraced producer, allegations against whom actually started off the #MeToo movement. Major blow to #MeToo? Harvey Weinstein could go scot free as appeals court raises objection on conviction The pattern, and its predictability, is nauseating: Knee-jerk reactions, statements of political correctness that involves taking the accused out of projects, ex-colleagues ditching the accused in public, press conferences, courtroom drama, quiet settlements, cooling off period, and back to normal. Some of the accused, like Jeoffry Rush, successfully sued their way out of the scandals. It remains to be seen if others who face similar accusations - R Kelly, James Franco- will go scot-free too. The workplace remains a dangerous pit for many women, irrespective of country or continent. Male chauvinism prevails in a world where hero-- and not heroine-- worship is the order of the day. In South Korea, a K-Pop star Seungri ran a prostitution ring, while K-drama star Kim Seon Ho allegedly forced his former lover to abort their child and reportedly even set her on fire. Pop idol Kris Wu is accused of drugging and raping minor girls. Many of them issued apologies, and are 're-instated'. No amount of campaigning seems to be able to bring justice to the victims, except in some rare cases. The 'hero' invariably returns. Because the show must go on. × (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Here we go again: Chris Noth sex allegations, Hollywood's political correctness and de ja vu

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has walked back on her allegations of being sexually assaulted by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party.

'Never accused anyone of assaulting me', Peng Shuai denies making sexual assault claim

China's e-commerce company Alibaba has fired a woman for spreading 'falsehoods' which was damaging the company's reputation. The woman's lawyer has confirmed her dismissal to the New York Times.

Speaking to government-backed newspaper Dahe Daily, the woman told that she was fired late last month after being given a termination&nbsp;letter. It accused the woman of spreading fake information about the assault and the company not taking an action. The letter mentioned that it "caused strong social concern and had a bad impact on the company".

The woman claimed that a colleague and a client had sexually assaulted her. In August, the woman went public with these allegations as she claimed that the company had failed to take the required action. She posted a long PDF document alleging she was sexually assaulted by her boss and a client. The post went viral on China's microblogging website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/threats-through-letter-indian-student-expelled-from-uk-university-for-stalking-436432">Also read |&nbsp;Threats through letter: Indian student expelled from UK university for stalking</a>

According to the woman, the client kissed her and after consuming alcohol she reportedly woke up the next day without her clothes. She had no memory of what had happened.

The woman further alleged that her boss had forced her to go to Jinan on a business trip with him while revealing that&nbsp;CCTV footage&nbsp;she had got from the hotel showed her boss had entered the room four times in the evening.

The colleague was fired but the criminal case against him was dropped. According to a report by BBC, the client is still under police investigation.

When the woman went public with the allegations, Alibaba received major backlash. A memo was issued which said that Alibaba was "staunchly opposed to forced drinking culture".

The woman, however, stands firm on her decision. She was quoted by the BBC as saying, "I have not made any mistakes, and certainly will not accept this result, and in the future will use legal means to protect my rights and interests."

(With inputs from agencies)

China's e-commerce company Alibaba has fired a woman for spreading 'falsehoods' which was damaging the company's reputation. The woman's lawyer has confirmed her dismissal to the New York Times.

China's e-commerce company Alibaba has fired a woman for spreading 'falsehoods' which was damaging the company's reputation. The woman's lawyer has confirmed her dismissal to the New York Times. Speaking to government-backed newspaper Dahe Daily, the woman told that she was fired late last month after being given a termination letter. It accused the woman of spreading fake information about the assault and the company not taking an action. The letter mentioned that it "caused strong social concern and had a bad impact on the company". The woman claimed that a colleague and a client had sexually assaulted her. In August, the woman went public with these allegations as she claimed that the company had failed to take the required action. She posted a long PDF document alleging she was sexually assaulted by her boss and a client. The post went viral on China's microblogging website. Also read | Threats through letter: Indian student expelled from UK university for stalking According to the woman, the client kissed her and after consuming alcohol she reportedly woke up the next day without her clothes. She had no memory of what had happened. The woman further alleged that her boss had forced her to go to Jinan on a business trip with him while revealing that CCTV footage she had got from the hotel showed her boss had entered the room four times in the evening. The colleague was fired but the criminal case against him was dropped. According to a report by BBC, the client is still under police investigation. When the woman went public with the allegations, Alibaba received major backlash. A memo was issued which said that Alibaba was "staunchly opposed to forced drinking culture". The woman, however, stands firm on her decision. She was quoted by the BBC as saying, "I have not made any mistakes, and certainly will not accept this result, and in the future will use legal means to protect my rights and interests." (With inputs from agencies)

China's e-commerce firm Alibaba fires woman who accused two men of sexual assault

A group of people in Pakistan stripped four women, including a teenager, dragged and beat them up after accusing them of 'shoplifting' in the country's Punjab province. The incident took place in Faisalabad, approx 180 kms from Lahore, on Monday.

Pakistan: Four women stripped, were paraded naked and assaulted by men in Faisalabad

A judgement by an Indian high court lowering the sentence of a man who is convicted of forcing a 10-year-old boy to perform oral sex has caused outrage across the country.

The Allahabad High Court in the northern Uttar Pradesh state had ruled that the man's offence did not fall under the stringent the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act’s definition of “aggravated penetrative sexual assault”, which carries a jail sentence of minimum 10 years.

Instead, the court said the offence should be viewed as “penetrative sexual assault" - a lesser offence that carries a minimum seven-year jail term.

Justice Anil Kumar Ojha of the Allahabad High Court passed his order on November 18, in which he upheld the conviction but questioned which section of POCSO would be applicable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-sc-sets-aside-lower-courts-ruling-that-skin-to-skin-contact-is-essential-for-sexual-offence-case-430241">India's SC sets aside lower court's ruling that skin-to-skin contact is essential for sexual offence case</a>

“Perusal of the record reveals that informant and victim have supported the prosecution story and the evidence of prosecution witnesses are cogent, trustworthy, credible and probable, hence, finding with regard to conviction is confirmed,” he said.

The order caused outrage across India with many calling the judgement regressive.

Parliamentarian Mahua Moitra was among those who expressed her anger at the order.

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Oral sex doesn’t fall under ‘aggravated sexual assault’ in POCSO, says Allahabad HC after Bombay HC shockingly said skin to skin contact necessary for POCSO offence. 
 
Wake up High Courts- POCSO meant to save kids from vilest crimes. Don’t dilute it.
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahuaMoitra/status/1463180603210145792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Wake up High Courts - Pocso meant to save kids from vilest crimes. Don't dilute it,” she tweeted.

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Allahabad HC lowers penalty imposed by Special Sessions Court on a convict guilty of having oral sex with a 10-year-old child in lieu of Rs 20 !! 
 
Reason - the crime committed by him is 'less serious' 
 
Are our Courts encouraging children prostitution by paedophiles?
— Katyusha (@Indian10000000) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indian10000000/status/1463083938302226437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The judgement comes only days after the Supreme Court reversed a decision of the Bombay High Court which acquitted an accused who was jailed for groping a 12-year-old girl.

The high court ruled that the most important ingredient in convicting sexual offenders under POCSO Act is “sexual intent and not skin-to-skin.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A judgement by an Indian high court lowering the sentence of a man who is convicted of forcing a 10-year-old boy to perform oral sex has caused outrage across the country.

A judgement by an Indian high court lowering the sentence of a man who is convicted of forcing a 10-year-old boy to perform oral sex has caused outrage across the country. The Allahabad High Court in the northern Uttar Pradesh state had ruled that the man's offence did not fall under the stringent the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act’s definition of “aggravated penetrative sexual assault”, which carries a jail sentence of minimum 10 years. Instead, the court said the offence should be viewed as “penetrative sexual assault" - a lesser offence that carries a minimum seven-year jail term. Justice Anil Kumar Ojha of the Allahabad High Court passed his order on November 18, in which he upheld the conviction but questioned which section of POCSO would be applicable. Also read | India's SC sets aside lower court's ruling that skin-to-skin contact is essential for sexual offence case “Perusal of the record reveals that informant and victim have supported the prosecution story and the evidence of prosecution witnesses are cogent, trustworthy, credible and probable, hence, finding with regard to conviction is confirmed,” he said. The order caused outrage across India with many calling the judgement regressive. Parliamentarian Mahua Moitra was among those who expressed her anger at the order. Oral sex doesn’t fall under ‘aggravated sexual assault’ in POCSO, says Allahabad HC after Bombay HC shockingly said skin to skin contact necessary for POCSO offence. Wake up High Courts- POCSO meant to save kids from vilest crimes. Don’t dilute it. — Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) November 23, 2021 × “Wake up High Courts - Pocso meant to save kids from vilest crimes. Don't dilute it,” she tweeted. Allahabad HC lowers penalty imposed by Special Sessions Court on a convict guilty of having oral sex with a 10-year-old child in lieu of Rs 20 !! Reason - the crime committed by him is 'less serious' Are our Courts encouraging children prostitution by paedophiles? — Katyusha (@Indian10000000) November 23, 2021 × The judgement comes only days after the Supreme Court reversed a decision of the Bombay High Court which acquitted an accused who was jailed for groping a 12-year-old girl. The high court ruled that the most important ingredient in convicting sexual offenders under POCSO Act is “sexual intent and not skin-to-skin.” (With inputs from agencies)

Indian high court's judgement lowering sentence of man accused in child abuse causes outrage

A woman employee at Tesla has been accused the company of 'rampant sexual harassment'. She has also blamed Tesla CEO Elon Musk for promoting misogyny at workplace through his conduct. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Tesla accused of 'rampant sexual harassment' by woman employee | Trouble for Elon Musk?

Almost two weeks after she accused a former Vice Premier of sexual assault, Peng Shuai still remains missing from the public eye. Tennis stars like Novak Djokovic & Naomi Osaka are shocked. Palki Sharma asks: Why is China protecting former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli?

Gravitas: Tennis stars ask: Where is Peng Shuai?

Peng Shuai claimed a former Vice Premier of China sexually assaulted her. Apparently, she has now gone missing. International tennis stars are raising concerns. Palki Sharma asks Where Is Peng Shuai?

Gravitas: Chinese tennis star "missing" after accusing former Vice Premier of Sexual Assault

French prosecutors have opened an inquiry to investigate allegations of a female soldier who was part of President Emmanuel Macron’s defence staff.

According to French media, the woman was allegedly raped by a colleague at a party at the president's Élysée Palace in July.

According to reports, Macron was present at the farewell party, but shortly left after giving a brief speech.

Some of the guests later went on to the premises of the president's personal military staff in an annex to the palace, which is where the sexual attack allegedly took place.

The young woman immediately went to a nearby police station after the alleged assault and reported the rape that night.

The alleged victim and attacker were colleagues and deployed at the high-security office at the Élysée Palace dealing with sensitive government matters.

A presidential official told the AFP news agency that “as soon as the authorities were aware of these claims, measures were immediately taken” to support the alleged victim.

Both the woman and the accused have been moved to other duties, the palace has said.

Macron’s office would await judicial investigations before deciding on any further action, an official told news agencies.

Macron has vowed to tackle the problem of violence against women, and his government introduced&nbsp;a new law setting the age of consent at 15&nbsp;in response to the scandals this March.

He is expected to stand for a second term as president in elections scheduled for April 2022, although he has yet to declare his candidacy.

(With inputs from agencies)

French prosecutors have opened an inquiry to investigate allegations of a female soldier who was part of President Emmanuel Macron’s defence staff. According to French media, the woman was allegedly raped by a colleague at a party at the president's Élysée Palace in July.

French prosecutors have opened an inquiry to investigate allegations of a female soldier who was part of President Emmanuel Macron’s defence staff. According to French media, the woman was allegedly raped by a colleague at a party at the president's Élysée Palace in July. According to reports, Macron was present at the farewell party, but shortly left after giving a brief speech. Some of the guests later went on to the premises of the president's personal military staff in an annex to the palace, which is where the sexual attack allegedly took place. The young woman immediately went to a nearby police station after the alleged assault and reported the rape that night. The alleged victim and attacker were colleagues and deployed at the high-security office at the Élysée Palace dealing with sensitive government matters. A presidential official told the AFP news agency that “as soon as the authorities were aware of these claims, measures were immediately taken” to support the alleged victim. Both the woman and the accused have been moved to other duties, the palace has said. Macron’s office would await judicial investigations before deciding on any further action, an official told news agencies. Macron has vowed to tackle the problem of violence against women, and his government introduced a new law setting the age of consent at 15 in response to the scandals this March. He is expected to stand for a second term as president in elections scheduled for April 2022, although he has yet to declare his candidacy. (With inputs from agencies)

French authorities probe rape allegations of woman who was part of President Macron’s military staff

A powerful man in China sexually assaulted a woman, then used his position to mentally torture her and forced her to submit to his demands. The victim was helpless; forget about complaining, she couldn't even describe her ordeal to anyone because speaking out means dangerous consequences.<o:p></o:p>

This story from China, sadly, resembles the stories of several women all around the world. Some women decided to speak out and thus began the MeToo movement. Speaking out and exposing powerful men is a very difficult battle for any woman, and even more if she lives in China.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-school-locks-down-kids-overnight-after-one-covid-case-426475">China's school locks down kids overnight after one Covid case</a></o:p>

Zhang Gaoli is a 75-year-old politician in China. An economist by education, he served as the governor of Shandong and was also the party secretary of Tianjin. In 2013, he was appointed as the Vice Premier of China, which made him the seventh most powerful man the country. He served at the position for five years before retiring in 2018.

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支持彭帅 <a href="https://t.co/EYO183fBlJ">pic.twitter.com/EYO183fBlJ</a>
— 巴丢草 Badiucao💉💉 (@badiucao) <a href="https://twitter.com/badiucao/status/1455587253179322373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Peng Shuai is one of the biggest tennis stars of China, a former world number one in doubles, winner of the French Open and the Wimbledon. She has claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Zhang Gaoli and has suffered since then but has finally decided to speak out.<o:p></o:p>

Late on Tuesday, she published a lengthy post on Weibo — Chinese take on Twitter — in which she made appalling allegations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-need-of-more-babies-this-chinese-province-is-thinking-of-1-year-paid-maternity-leave-426450">In need of more babies, this Chinese province is thinking of 1-year paid maternity leave</a>

<o:p></o:p>

A sexual predator in the top ranks of the Communist party, serving at the highest levels of the Chinese government, Zhang Gaoli retired three years ago but his party is still protecting him.<o:p></o:p>

Zhang Gaoli says she first made contact with Peng Shuai in Tianjin where he was serving as party secretary. The alleged assault took place three years ago when Gaoli had invited Shuai for a meal. He then pressured her to have sex.<o:p></o:p>

"I never consented that afternoon, crying all the time. I wasn’t willing after supper, and you said you hated me! You said you never forgot me in the seven years and promised to be kind to me. With fear and panic, and with my feelings from seven years ago, I agreed,” her post on Weibo reads.<o:p></o:p>

The three years that followed were apparently an ordeal for Shuai.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-steps-up-himalayan-border-defences-after-2020-clash-with-china-426509">India steps up Himalayan border defences after 2020 clash with China</a>

<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;She writes: "I know that for someone of your eminence, vice premier zhang gaoli, you’ve said that you’re not afraid. But even if it’s just me, like an egg hitting a rock, or a moth to the flame, courting self-destruction, I’ll tell the truth about you."<o:p></o:p>

Shuai says she was forced into a relationship with Gaoli.<o:p></o:p>

What makes this an exceptional act of courage on the part of Shuai is that such stories are virtually unheard of in China. Never before the world has heard of a senior communist party official being publicly accused of sexual assault. <o:p></o:p>

This can bring a lot of damage to the Chinese President Xi Jinping. Due to this, Beijing is doing everything it can to kill this story. Chinese censors have gone into an overdrive. They first went after Peng Shuai as her post was deleted just 20 minutes after it went online. After that, her Weibo account was hidden and no one was allowed to comment on her previous posts; even the tennis and other sports forums have also been silenced.<o:p></o:p>

While this is going on, Chinese officials are pretending that nothing has happened. When China's ministry of foreign affairs was asked about these allegations, the spokesperson said they hadn't even heard about the post.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-censors-tennis-star-for-accusing-top-leader-of-sexual-assault-tag-peng-shuai-426520">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-censors-tennis-star-for-accusing-top-leader-of-sexual-assault-tag-peng-shuai-426520/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, no one is surprised by this response as in China, the culture of silence prevails. In the past, women in media, at universities and the private sector have come forward with accusations of sexual assault. They said it's almost like a tradition in their country that men in powerful positions demand sexual favours and the system looks the other way. In China, many women say, there remains an ingrained patriarchal tradition of using positions in business or government to gain sexual favours, reports claim.<o:p></o:p>

In 2016, the country’s top prosecuting agency listed the exchange of "power for sex recklessly"&nbsp;as one of six traits of senior officials accused of corruption. Even the country's top prosecuting country agrees. The same year, they released a report on the traits of corrupt officials and the exchange of quote unquote "Power for sex recklessly" featured prominently in that report.<o:p></o:p>

The most high-profile case of sexual assault in China emerged in 2018 when Zhou Xiaoxuan took a prominent TV anchor, Zhu Jun, to court, only to be counter sued for slander. A court in Beijing said there was "insufficient evidence" against the anchor.<o:p></o:p>

A powerful man in China sexually assaulted a woman, then used his position to mentally torture her and forced her to submit to his demands. The victim was helpless; forget about complaining, she couldn't even describe her ordeal to anyone because speaking out means dangerous consequences.

A powerful man in China sexually assaulted a woman, then used his position to mentally torture her and forced her to submit to his demands. The victim was helpless; forget about complaining, she couldn't even describe her ordeal to anyone because speaking out means dangerous consequences. This story from China, sadly, resembles the stories of several women all around the world. Some women decided to speak out and thus began the MeToo movement. Speaking out and exposing powerful men is a very difficult battle for any woman, and even more if she lives in China. Also read | China's school locks down kids overnight after one Covid case Zhang Gaoli is a 75-year-old politician in China. An economist by education, he served as the governor of Shandong and was also the party secretary of Tianjin. In 2013, he was appointed as the Vice Premier of China, which made him the seventh most powerful man the country. He served at the position for five years before retiring in 2018. 支持彭帅 pic.twitter.com/EYO183fBlJ — 巴丢草 Badiucao💉💉 (@badiucao) November 2, 2021 × Peng Shuai is one of the biggest tennis stars of China, a former world number one in doubles, winner of the French Open and the Wimbledon. She has claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Zhang Gaoli and has suffered since then but has finally decided to speak out. Late on Tuesday, she published a lengthy post on Weibo — Chinese take on Twitter — in which she made appalling allegations. Also read | In need of more babies, this Chinese province is thinking of 1-year paid maternity leave A sexual predator in the top ranks of the Communist party, serving at the highest levels of the Chinese government, Zhang Gaoli retired three years ago but his party is still protecting him. Zhang Gaoli says she first made contact with Peng Shuai in Tianjin where he was serving as party secretary. The alleged assault took place three years ago when Gaoli had invited Shuai for a meal. He then pressured her to have sex. "I never consented that afternoon, crying all the time. I wasn’t willing after supper, and you said you hated me! You said you never forgot me in the seven years and promised to be kind to me. With fear and panic, and with my feelings from seven years ago, I agreed,” her post on Weibo reads. The three years that followed were apparently an ordeal for Shuai. Also read | India steps up Himalayan border defences after 2020 clash with China She writes: "I know that for someone of your eminence, vice premier zhang gaoli, you’ve said that you’re not afraid. But even if it’s just me, like an egg hitting a rock, or a moth to the flame, courting self-destruction, I’ll tell the truth about you." Shuai says she was forced into a relationship with Gaoli. What makes this an exceptional act of courage on the part of Shuai is that such stories are virtually unheard of in China. Never before the world has heard of a senior communist party official being publicly accused of sexual assault. This can bring a lot of damage to the Chinese President Xi Jinping. Due to this, Beijing is doing everything it can to kill this story. Chinese censors have gone into an overdrive. They first went after Peng Shuai as her post was deleted just 20 minutes after it went online. After that, her Weibo account was hidden and no one was allowed to comment on her previous posts; even the tennis and other sports forums have also been silenced. While this is going on, Chinese officials are pretending that nothing has happened. When China's ministry of foreign affairs was asked about these allegations, the spokesperson said they hadn't even heard about the post. WATCH | However, no one is surprised by this response as in China, the culture of silence prevails. In the past, women in media, at universities and the private sector have come forward with accusations of sexual assault. They said it's almost like a tradition in their country that men in powerful positions demand sexual favours and the system looks the other way. In China, many women say, there remains an ingrained patriarchal tradition of using positions in business or government to gain sexual favours, reports claim. In 2016, the country’s top prosecuting agency listed the exchange of "power for sex recklessly" as one of six traits of senior officials accused of corruption. Even the country's top prosecuting country agrees. The same year, they released a report on the traits of corrupt officials and the exchange of quote unquote "Power for sex recklessly" featured prominently in that report. The most high-profile case of sexual assault in China emerged in 2018 when Zhou Xiaoxuan took a prominent TV anchor, Zhu Jun, to court, only to be counter sued for slander. A court in Beijing said there was "insufficient evidence" against the anchor.

Protecting predators: China covers up tennis star's sexual assault allegations against former vice premier

UK Royal Family’s Prince Andrew could face civic trial in the US by the end of 2022, over the alleged sexual assault.<o:p></o:p>

US district judge Lewis Kaplan&nbsp;has claimed that he is predicting that the trial date to be between September and December of next year.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-has-received-legal-papers-for-sexual-assault-charges-415834">Prince Andrew has received legal papers for sexual assault charges</a></o:p>

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a victim of infamous Jeffrey Epstein, has accused Prince Andrew of sexually harassing her at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion and a few other places, in 2001 when she was 17 years old. Now, she has filed a legal complaint against the UK Royal and the legal papers seem to have reached the Prince by Cesar Sepulveda, who identifies himself as corporate investigator/process server.<o:p></o:p>

Guiffre had alleged that she "was compelled by express or implied threats by Epstein, [Ghislaine] Maxwell, and/or Prince Andrew to engage in sexual acts with Prince Andrew, and feared death or physical injury to herself or another and other repercussions for disobeying Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew due to their powerful connections, wealth and authority."<o:p></o:p>

However, Andrew’s lawyers have lashed out at the American woman and have accused her of seeking a "payday" at Andrew's expense. "She has initiated this baseless lawsuit against Prince Andrew to achieve another payday at his expens," the document reads.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-ghost-of-jeffrey-epstein-sex-offence-cases-continue-with-british-prince-andrew-back-in-sharp-focus-405410">The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein: Sex offence cases continue with British prince Andrew back in sharp focus</a></o:p>

The team of lawyers also dug out old articles about her case, published in New York Daily News in 2015. In this article it was revealed that she was described as a 'money-hungry sex kitten' who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle by her friends.<o:p></o:p>

While the Prince has constantly denied these accusations by Guiffre, he may soon have to face the court on the matter. David Boies, Giuffre's lawyer, has revealed that he is hoping to call eight to 12 witnesses for the trial, in addition to the parties involved. Andrew Brettler, representing&nbsp;the Prince, has also made a similar claim.<o:p></o:p>

UK Royal Family’s Prince Andrew could face civic trial in the US by the end of 2022, over the alleged sexual assault. US district judge Lewis Kaplan has claimed that he is predicting that the trial date to be between September and December of next year.

UK Royal Family’s Prince Andrew could face civic trial in the US by the end of 2022, over the alleged sexual assault. US district judge Lewis Kaplan has claimed that he is predicting that the trial date to be between September and December of next year. Also read | Prince Andrew has received legal papers for sexual assault charges Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a victim of infamous Jeffrey Epstein, has accused Prince Andrew of sexually harassing her at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion and a few other places, in 2001 when she was 17 years old. Now, she has filed a legal complaint against the UK Royal and the legal papers seem to have reached the Prince by Cesar Sepulveda, who identifies himself as corporate investigator/process server. Guiffre had alleged that she "was compelled by express or implied threats by Epstein, [Ghislaine] Maxwell, and/or Prince Andrew to engage in sexual acts with Prince Andrew, and feared death or physical injury to herself or another and other repercussions for disobeying Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew due to their powerful connections, wealth and authority." However, Andrew’s lawyers have lashed out at the American woman and have accused her of seeking a "payday" at Andrew's expense. "She has initiated this baseless lawsuit against Prince Andrew to achieve another payday at his expens," the document reads. Also read | The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein: Sex offence cases continue with British prince Andrew back in sharp focus The team of lawyers also dug out old articles about her case, published in New York Daily News in 2015. In this article it was revealed that she was described as a 'money-hungry sex kitten' who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle by her friends. While the Prince has constantly denied these accusations by Guiffre, he may soon have to face the court on the matter. David Boies, Giuffre's lawyer, has revealed that he is hoping to call eight to 12 witnesses for the trial, in addition to the parties involved. Andrew Brettler, representing the Prince, has also made a similar claim.

Prince Andrew may face US trial in 2022 in sexual assault case, judge reveals

A rare #MeToo allegation has ignited a firestorm in China. Tennis Star Peng Shuai has accused a former Vice Premier of sexual assault on Weibo. Chinese censors have hidden Peng's account. Conversations around the allegations are being blocked. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: China censors Tennis Star for accusing top leader of sexual assault tag Peng Shuai

A recently published study, titled Understanding Sexual Aggression in UK Male University Students, sheds light upon attitudes about rape and sexual harassment among male British students and found that a number of male students at UK universities have admitted to rape, sexual assault, etc. in the last two years.&nbsp;

The research, which has been published in the SAGE Journals, analyse sexual aggression in UK male university students and talks about the psychological risk factors associated with their pro abuse behaviours.

The research, which is said to be the first of its kind, comprised two online surveys — the first one of 295 students from 100 UK universities and another of 259 students at a university in south-east England.&nbsp;

As per the first study, that assessed the psychological characteristics of sexually aggressive male students, 33 participants (12.7% of the sample) self-reported having perpetrated 106 sexually aggressive acts over the past 24 months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-decries-frances-seizure-of-fishing-boat-as-post-brexit-row-deepens-425168">UK decries France's seizure of fishing boat as post-Brexit row deepens</a>

The age of participants ranged from 18 to 68 years and the majority identified as White British, with the highest educational attainment as A-Level or equivalent.&nbsp;

As per the second study, 30 participants (10.1% of the sample) self-reported having perpetrated 145 sexually aggressive acts over the past 24 months (though, as noted earlier, this could be a conservative estimate).&nbsp;

The findings highlight that male university students in the UK with a history of sexual aggression comprise a distinct forensic population, who can be differentiated from their non-offending peers by various psychological indicators associated with their past pro abuse behaviours.&nbsp;

The report's co-author Samuel Hales, a PhD researcher at the University of Kent’s Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychology, said as quoted by The Guardian, "Of the 63 perpetrators who took part in either the first or second study, 37 reported perpetrating unwanted sexual contact, 32 sexual coercion and 30 rape or attempted rape."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-vows-to-defend-uk-interests-in-french-fishing-row-425166">Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row</a>

“Some of these offences would've been perpetrated just before they started university, including while they were at school," said Hales, adding that there's a need in UK universities to appoint staff to work with sexually aggressive students who are banned from campus.&nbsp;

"Perpetrators were significantly more likely to endorse offence-excusing myths associated with rape, eg victims are to blame for being assaulted, and to have more negative sexist and hostile views about women, eg believing that many of their troubles were the fault of women, and to report sexually fantasising more about harmful, such as physically hurting their sexual partner when they didn’t have consent to do so."

A recently published study, titled Understanding Sexual Aggression in UK Male University Students, sheds light upon attitudes about rape and sexual harassment among male British students and found that a number of male students at UK universities have admitted to rape, sexual assault, etc.

A recently published study, titled Understanding Sexual Aggression in UK Male University Students, sheds light upon attitudes about rape and sexual harassment among male British students and found that a number of male students at UK universities have admitted to rape, sexual assault, etc. in the last two years. The research, which has been published in the SAGE Journals, analyse sexual aggression in UK male university students and talks about the psychological risk factors associated with their pro abuse behaviours. The research, which is said to be the first of its kind, comprised two online surveys — the first one of 295 students from 100 UK universities and another of 259 students at a university in south-east England. As per the first study, that assessed the psychological characteristics of sexually aggressive male students, 33 participants (12.7% of the sample) self-reported having perpetrated 106 sexually aggressive acts over the past 24 months. ALSO READ | UK decries France's seizure of fishing boat as post-Brexit row deepens The age of participants ranged from 18 to 68 years and the majority identified as White British, with the highest educational attainment as A-Level or equivalent. As per the second study, 30 participants (10.1% of the sample) self-reported having perpetrated 145 sexually aggressive acts over the past 24 months (though, as noted earlier, this could be a conservative estimate). The findings highlight that male university students in the UK with a history of sexual aggression comprise a distinct forensic population, who can be differentiated from their non-offending peers by various psychological indicators associated with their past pro abuse behaviours. The report's co-author Samuel Hales, a PhD researcher at the University of Kent’s Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychology, said as quoted by The Guardian, "Of the 63 perpetrators who took part in either the first or second study, 37 reported perpetrating unwanted sexual contact, 32 sexual coercion and 30 rape or attempted rape." ALSO READ | Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row “Some of these offences would've been perpetrated just before they started university, including while they were at school," said Hales, adding that there's a need in UK universities to appoint staff to work with sexually aggressive students who are banned from campus. "Perpetrators were significantly more likely to endorse offence-excusing myths associated with rape, eg victims are to blame for being assaulted, and to have more negative sexist and hostile views about women, eg believing that many of their troubles were the fault of women, and to report sexually fantasising more about harmful, such as physically hurting their sexual partner when they didn’t have consent to do so."

Male students at UK universities admit to rape and sexual assault, research reveals

Hillary Clinton’s long-time aide, Huma Abedin, has alleged a US senator of sexually assaulting her. She has revealed this tragedy in a memoir, Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds.<o:p></o:p>

Abedin has claimed that she was sexually assaulted by this unnamed US senator while she was working for Hillary Clinton between 2001 and 2009.<o:p></o:p>

"I felt I was at an Arab wedding back home," she wrote while talking about how she and the Clinton family attended Donald Trump and Melania’s wedding in Florida’s Palm Beach resort in January 2005.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bullying-sexual-harassment-assault-rampant-with-women-in-uk-military-reveals-study-424170">Bullying, sexual harassment, assault rampant with women in UK military, reveals study</a></o:p>

She then described another dinner party in which the Clintons were not present but a few other senators and their aides had marked their attendance. After the dinner party, Abedin walked out with a senator. "Soon we stopped in front of his building and he invited me in for coffee. Once inside, he told me to make myself comfortable on the couch," she recalled.<o:p></o:p>

After seating her down, the senator took off his blazer and rolled up his sleeves while making coffee. However, things took a shocking turn after that. <o:p></o:p>

"Then, in an instant, it all changed. He plopped down to my right, put his left arm around my shoulder, and kissed me, pushing his tongue into my mouth, pressing me back on the sofa," she writes. "I was so utterly shocked, I pushed him away. All I wanted was for the last 10 seconds to be erased."<o:p></o:p>

However, the senator claimed that he had been reading her wrong ‘all this time’ and apologised for it while asking her if she would like to stay a little longer.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-women-in-british-army-battle-rape-sexual-assault-424266">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-women-in-british-army-battle-rape-sexual-assault-424266/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Then I said something only the twentysomething version of me would have come up with – 'I am so sorry'’ – and walked out, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible,"&nbsp;she said.<o:p></o:p>

A few days later when she saw the senator on Capitol Hill, Clinton quickly joined the conversation "as if she knew I needed rescuing even though I’d told her nothing about that night," Abedin remembered.<o:p></o:p>

While she has not hinted at any identity picking of the senator, Clinton’s aide has said that she had buried the incident deep inside but was triggered when Kavanaugh was accused of similar acts by a professor, Christine Blasey Ford.<o:p></o:p>

Hillary Clinton’s long-time aide, Huma Abedin, has alleged a US senator of sexually assaulting her. She has revealed this tragedy in a memoir, Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds.

Hillary Clinton’s long-time aide, Huma Abedin, has alleged a US senator of sexually assaulting her. She has revealed this tragedy in a memoir, Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds. Abedin has claimed that she was sexually assaulted by this unnamed US senator while she was working for Hillary Clinton between 2001 and 2009. "I felt I was at an Arab wedding back home," she wrote while talking about how she and the Clinton family attended Donald Trump and Melania’s wedding in Florida’s Palm Beach resort in January 2005. Also read | Bullying, sexual harassment, assault rampant with women in UK military, reveals study She then described another dinner party in which the Clintons were not present but a few other senators and their aides had marked their attendance. After the dinner party, Abedin walked out with a senator. "Soon we stopped in front of his building and he invited me in for coffee. Once inside, he told me to make myself comfortable on the couch," she recalled. After seating her down, the senator took off his blazer and rolled up his sleeves while making coffee. However, things took a shocking turn after that. "Then, in an instant, it all changed. He plopped down to my right, put his left arm around my shoulder, and kissed me, pushing his tongue into my mouth, pressing me back on the sofa," she writes. "I was so utterly shocked, I pushed him away. All I wanted was for the last 10 seconds to be erased." However, the senator claimed that he had been reading her wrong ‘all this time’ and apologised for it while asking her if she would like to stay a little longer. WATCH | "Then I said something only the twentysomething version of me would have come up with – 'I am so sorry'’ – and walked out, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible," she said. A few days later when she saw the senator on Capitol Hill, Clinton quickly joined the conversation "as if she knew I needed rescuing even though I’d told her nothing about that night," Abedin remembered. While she has not hinted at any identity picking of the senator, Clinton’s aide has said that she had buried the incident deep inside but was triggered when Kavanaugh was accused of similar acts by a professor, Christine Blasey Ford.

Hillary Clinton's aide, Huma Abedin, says she was sexually assaulted by a US senator

More than 1,800 sexual assaults occurred during Lyft rides in 2019, the company said Thursday in its first-ever safety report on sexual and physical assaults, fatal crashes and other serious incidents.

Lyft’s safety report had been long awaited in the ride-hailing industry, as the company is facing lawsuits from victims of sexual assaults that occurred during rides. It committed to releasing its sexual assault statistics in 2019, when Uber released a similar report.

“While safety incidents on our platform are incredibly rare, we realize that even one is too many,” Lyft’s head of policy development and research, Jennifer Brandenburger, said in a blog post Thursday. “Behind every report is a real person and real experience.”

The 1,807 sexual assaults during Lyft rides in 2019, the most recent year for data in the report, were a 64 per cent increase from 2017, the company said. But because the number of rides rose even faster, safety improved overall, Lyft said, with the incident rate of sexual assaults declining 19 per cent during the period.

Four people were killed during physical assaults in 2019, and 49 were killed during motor vehicle accidents, Lyft said in the report.

“The type of safety incidents detailed in this report occurred on 0.0002 per cent of rides, and well over 99 per cent of all rides occur without any safety report at all,” Brandenburger said.

The statistics are in line with similar incidents on Uber’s platform. Uber said in its 2019 safety report that the number of sexual assaults on its platform the previous year represented just 0.0002 per cent of all rides.

Rachel Abrams, a lawyer who represents about 1,000 sexual assault victims in lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, said the report from Lyft was long overdue. “We’ve all been waiting for it,” she said.

“They are not implementing the safety measures to prevent this from happening, and it’s just going to keep mounting,” Abrams added. She said Lyft should incorporate video surveillance in its vehicles to monitor for safety problems.

Lyft said it was working to make its platform as safe as possible, requiring drivers to undergo rigorous background checks and offering riders safety check-ins and emergency assistance during rides that veer off course.

More than 1,800 sexual assaults occurred during Lyft rides in 2019, the company said Thursday in its first-ever safety report on sexual and physical assaults, fatal crashes and other serious incidents.

More than 1,800 sexual assaults occurred during Lyft rides in 2019, the company said Thursday in its first-ever safety report on sexual and physical assaults, fatal crashes and other serious incidents. Lyft’s safety report had been long awaited in the ride-hailing industry, as the company is facing lawsuits from victims of sexual assaults that occurred during rides. It committed to releasing its sexual assault statistics in 2019, when Uber released a similar report. “While safety incidents on our platform are incredibly rare, we realize that even one is too many,” Lyft’s head of policy development and research, Jennifer Brandenburger, said in a blog post Thursday. “Behind every report is a real person and real experience.” The 1,807 sexual assaults during Lyft rides in 2019, the most recent year for data in the report, were a 64 per cent increase from 2017, the company said. But because the number of rides rose even faster, safety improved overall, Lyft said, with the incident rate of sexual assaults declining 19 per cent during the period. Four people were killed during physical assaults in 2019, and 49 were killed during motor vehicle accidents, Lyft said in the report. “The type of safety incidents detailed in this report occurred on 0.0002 per cent of rides, and well over 99 per cent of all rides occur without any safety report at all,” Brandenburger said. The statistics are in line with similar incidents on Uber’s platform. Uber said in its 2019 safety report that the number of sexual assaults on its platform the previous year represented just 0.0002 per cent of all rides. Rachel Abrams, a lawyer who represents about 1,000 sexual assault victims in lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, said the report from Lyft was long overdue. “We’ve all been waiting for it,” she said. “They are not implementing the safety measures to prevent this from happening, and it’s just going to keep mounting,” Abrams added. She said Lyft should incorporate video surveillance in its vehicles to monitor for safety problems. Lyft said it was working to make its platform as safe as possible, requiring drivers to undergo rigorous background checks and offering riders safety check-ins and emergency assistance during rides that veer off course.

Lyft says 1,807 sexual assaults occurred in rides in 2019

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