Inside the Network of Women Who Brought Down Eric Swalwell

Politics

Inside the Network of Women Who Brought Down Eric Swalwell

Content warning: The following story mentions sexual assault and rape. 

What's going on: The 2017 #MeToo movement empowered thousands of women to share their experiences with sexual assault and rape. But in recent years, some have questioned how well it “worked” and how much has changed. Many accused men are still in positions of power, even if they’ve been found liable for sexual abuse. Now, the allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) have forced another reckoning. On March 31, Cheyenne Hunt — a progressive attorney and content creator — shared a video after learning of allegations from her friend, Annika Albrecht. Albrecht says she met Swalwell on a college trip to DC, and that he later sexually harassed her after offering career advice. In Hunt’s post, she said he had a “known history of being predatory towards women.” The viral post opened the floodgates. Soon after, The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN shared investigations that featured serious allegations of rape and sexual misconduct, including from a member of his staff. Swalwell has denied all of the claims against him. Amid the fallout, he dropped out of the California gubernatorial race and resigned from Congress.

What it means: Women who’ve accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct told NPR they believe their online community and nontraditional media channels helped lead to his resignation. Still, the fact that Swalwell rose so high in California politics underscores how power can shield men accused of mistreating women — including in the workplace and the halls of Congress. Meanwhile, advocates have been alarmed by the victim-blaming statements online — such as questions about why staffers didn’t “just quit” — which can make it difficult for women to come forward. In other words, Swalwell’s case is both a lesson in how much things have changed and how much they haven’t.

Related: With Swalwell out of the Race, There’s Room for a New Frontrunner (TIME)

The News in 5

🗞️ A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is in effect (even though the two aren’t at war themselves). But it’s unclear if Iranian proxy Hezbollah will follow the truce.

🗞️ One southwestern state has become the new epicenter of the measles outbreak. 

🗞️ President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom plans hit another snag. Hope DC tourists like scaffolding in their pics. 

🗞️ This award-winning women’s health magazine is shutting down after nearly 50 years. We’ll miss it even more than we miss the old food pyramid.

🗞️ Are Trump’s tariffs having an outsized impact on happy hour? Time to pour one out.

Sports

An End to Your Game-Day Frustrations?  

What's going on: We’ve all been there: Snacks ready, friends invited, fully trusting one of your many streaming subscriptions will air the game. But not a single one comes through. Well, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is saying, “Put me in, coach,” and introducing a bill to make local sports easier to watch. The “For the Fans” Act would make nationally-televised games free to watch in each team’s home state. As Baldwin told The Athletic, watching sports should be a unifying experience for fans, but right now, we’re united in “absolute frustration about how confusing it is to watch your games and how costly it is to follow your teams.” The pep talk we need.

How'd it get this bad?: Of course, it’s all about money. As more people have embraced streaming and ditched cable, leagues have lost out on that sweet, sweet ad revenue. In response, they’ve signed on to exclusive streaming deals to make some cash, which means that fans often need to pay for multiple spendy subscriptions to watch their faves play ball. Baldwin pointed out that in some places in Wisconsin, the only way to watch last season’s Packers vs. Bears playoff matchup was on Amazon Prime (is Jeff Bezos really in need of more cash?). She’s not the only one calling foul: The DOJ is also investigating the way the NFL sells its broadcast rights. If Baldwin’s bill passes, she’ll be our MVP.  

Related: The NWSL Season Is Underway — and There Are Big Dreams for the Final (The Athletic)

The Roll-Over

Pilates, Meet the Patriarchy

What's going on: It’s been four years since Lori Harvey and her abs ushered in the latest Pilates era. Since then, the “clean girl” aesthetic has exploded, and Pilates studios are on every corner. These group fitness classes have become a fun third space for women to focus on their health and meet new people — always followed by an iced latte. We love that for the girls. What we don’t love? The manosphere has co-opted the movement. As one man on social media said: “If your girl goes to Pilates, wife her up.” His video has more than 1 million views. For these men, this idealized version of a “Pilates girl” or “Pilates princess” is slim, ultra-feminine, and is likely under 30.

Sounds like a stretch: In the age of “health is wealth,” some men are still stereotyping women and essentially saying only the ones who fit into this “Pilates princess” box are worthy of attention and love. Take their phones away right now. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Men have always glamorized a very specific type of woman, going back to June Cleaver, Marilyn Monroe, and even Helen of Troy. The irony? A man, inspired by cats, created Pilates in a World War I prison camp. It’s meant to be inclusive for all body types and athletic abilities. That’s why the best thing to do is what you’ve always done: Ignore the manosphere.

Related: Mark Wahlberg Sets the Record Straight on His Workout Routine (E! News)

Quick Hits

🕶️ Victoria Beckham finally weighed in on her family’s very public drama. She said a lot without saying much.

🍫 It’s been a big month for Nutella. First, space — now, a new flavor after a 60-year wait. Breakfast will never be the same again. 

🧑‍🌾 This iconic blonde will play Martha Stewart in the biopic. Can she also recreate the pool selfie? 

👀 Olivia Rodrigo might have a new music man. Sending good vibes that this doesn’t end up like “Driver’s License.”

👠 Who was the real Emily in The Devil Wears Prada? A former Vogue staffer’s investigation has us convinced.

🎶 Demi Lovato’s new single is an ode to this controversial clothing item. We’re almost tempted to try it again. 

On Our Calendar

Things to jot down today…

🗓️ The “psychological drama-thriller” Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway, hits theaters — and it looks intense.

🗓️ Lorne, a documentary with “unprecedented access” to SNL boss Lorne Michaels, is on the big screen, and yes, plenty of his famous friends are in it. 

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

Which dance music icon declared that "the dance floor is dead"?

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Erika W. Smith, Molly Longman, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.