You can’t talk about sexual harassment in the workplace without talking about gold-digging too. If you’re a successful, powerful rich man, you’re invariably going to attract women (very good looking women) who will do anything, including sleeping with you, to enjoy the benefits of your patronage and wealth. The key factor though is that they will do anything.
If a woman cares so little for her dignity as to sleep with you, she won’t think twice about turning on you. False allegations will quickly follow, and the mere hint of a sexual harassment case will ruin your life in today’s environment.
The flipside is Robert Di Niro’s explanation to Billy Crystal in Analyze This on why he has a mistress. Women of that ilk will do things that a woman with self respect won’t. You’re used to getting your way with those women, but don’t know when to cut the bait for your own safety, including when they’re done with you.
The end result is a incredibly messy and public ordeal that will ruin your life completely. You’ll spend years fighting to get your life and reputation back and may never get it back.
Societal attitudes will make proving you abused your power a much easier task. You face a much harder task of discrediting your accuser because you have to answer the “why would she lie” question. While you may know why, demonstrating that to a jury and the public is extremely difficult.
If you are going to fight it, you’d better be prepared for trench warfare and sure of your case.
Special Inspector, CWI/CWE ACI lvl 2, Supplier Quality Specialist and Author
5moDEI is about the seizing of power. And power corrupts. Especially when you self exemplify the fantasy of supreme righteousness through indoctrination edicts.