Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has come out swinging for “throuple” Rep. Katie Hill — saying her intense “public shaming” highlights a double standard for female politicians.
Sen. Harris told Buzzfeed News that Hill, a close political ally, was the victim of a “campaign of harassment and intimidation” and “cyber exploitation” after naked photos of her were released to the media.
“It was clearly meant to embarrass her,” Harris told the outlet.
“There’s so much that people do about women and their sexuality that’s about shaming them.”
“It just sends a signal to other women that’s discouraging them from running for office.”
Harris revealed that she had a “personal conversation” with Hill since the scandal broke over alleged trysts with staffers.
She told the site that she “respected” Hill’s decision to resign from Congress because “she has to do what’s best for her and her constituents.”
“But, you know, let’s also speak the truth that men and women are not held to the same standards,” she said.
“I mean, look at who’s in the White House.”
Harris also argued against using the term “revenge porn” for the leaked photos, saying the term suggests both consent and “a justification.”
Harris’ defense came after Hill declared that she will “fight to ensure that no one else has to live through what I just experienced.”
“Some people call this electronic assault, digital exploitation, others call it revenge porn,” she said in a video.
“As the victim of it, I call it one of the worst things we can do to our sisters and our daughters.”