Unveiling the Dark Secrets
Ulrika Jonsson, a TV star, recently revealed her experience of sexual assault by the late Rolf Harris during her early career. She mentioned the incident in her memoir, stating that she had been raped 15 years prior at the age of 20 while working on morning television. Jonsson chose not to report the incident, fearing that she wouldn't be believed.
Ulrika Jonsson's Encounter
Jonsson further shared details of an incident with Harris in her column for The Sun. During their initial meeting, Harris hugged her, which she found confusing and possibly forward.
However, his hand then moved down to her buttocks, where it lingered for what felt like an uncomfortably long time, leaving her speechless and deeply uncomfortable. She expressed her belief that she wasn't the only victim and highlighted the prevailing culture where calling out such behavior, especially by celebrities, was uncommon. Jonsson emphasized that if the incident had occurred today, she would have fought back.
Vanessa Feltz's Experience
Vanessa Feltz, another presenter, also recounted a distressing encounter with Harris on-air. While interviewing him on The Big Breakfast Show in 1996, Feltz noticed Harris's hand moving up her dress. Feeling trapped due to the live program and being mic'd up, she was unsure how to respond. Feltz shared her story on her TalkTV Drivetime show, highlighting the dilemma she faced during the incident.
Rolf Harris's Legacy
Rolf Harris, who faced several allegations of sexual assault, including the ones mentioned by Jonsson and Feltz, recently passed away at the age of 93 after battling neck cancer. Harris had previously served three years of a five-year and nine-month sentence after being found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault, one of which was later overturned.
Conclusion
Ulrika Jonsson and Vanessa Feltz's revelations shed light on their encounters with Rolf Harris, exposing the mindset of an abuser who believed he had the right to touch and violate women. Their stories underline the difficulties faced by victims in speaking out against celebrities and the importance of raising awareness about such misconduct.