Twitter is buzzing over the British actor Ed Westwick’s rape accusations. The actor, that’s best known for playing Chuck Bass in the series Gossip Girl, was accused of raping actress Kristina Cohen Monday morning. Because the Gossip Girl fan community is so obsessed with his character Chuck Bass, the Hashtag #EdWestwick was trending on the platform right after Cohen raised her voice.
She reached out to the public via facebook. She claims the incident happened three years ago in an Hollywood Hills apartment, Westwick had rent.
As a woman, probably old-fashioned, I find it very odd that a woman, allegedly raped, informs the world on Facebook. No Police? #EdWestwick
— Casey (@9casey99) November 7, 2017
I don't think Facebook is the most appropriate place to write a rape statement. Awful but why not go to the police first? #EdWestwick https://t.co/7oTXsowVfl
— Danielle Louise (@danidotx) November 7, 2017
Users are putting out many different statements on Twitter. People from all over the world are commenting on the alleged rape. Some users are taking the victims side without knowing the truth.
If your bestie came to you and said that they were raped, would you respond with “innocent until proven guilty”? #EdWestwick
— Hannah (@haannahpowis) November 7, 2017
Millennial women are the new witchfinder generals. No respect for due process, just fact-free, conclusion-jumping hysteria. #EdWestwick pic.twitter.com/81ga3Y46MO
— Peter Lloyd (@Suffragentleman) November 7, 2017
Others are on Westwick’s side.
Who do you believe? #EdWestwick #KristinaCohen
— PJ-Forever ⛵️ (@MyOTP_PJ) November 7, 2017
Judge me but I’m supporting #EdWestwick until there’s more solid proof then stories that just don’t quite add up
— Elizabeth Murphy (@bmeezyxoxo) November 9, 2017
Most of the comments however, are expressing an “innocent until proven guilty” attitude. It seems like a lot of people feel like they have to hop on that trending Twitter topic, but not saying anything new.
Don't believe the #EdWestwick claims…almost like the accusations are an erotic novel 😑😳 why so much detail?? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?!
— Annie (@annie_walkerxxx) November 9, 2017
Why don't people accept other opinions than their own? We live in a democracy! And nobody's judged until PROVEN guilty! #edwestwick
— Mairy Mi (@MairyLeo) November 9, 2017
Police did not release any official statements yet, but the LAPD is investigating the case. Until proven guilty, Ed Westwick will not be convicted.
Wow I had no idea this was even occurring. It is interesting to say the least that Kristina Cohen posted about it on Facebook first. This is upsetting to me, as I have always been a big Gossip Girl fan. True or not, the power that social media has over someone’s reputation cannot go unnoticed. Even if Ed Westwick did not commit the crime, his reputation will not be the same.