Blogger Who Advocated Making Rape Legal Cancels Meet-Up Over Safety Concerns
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DENTON (CBS11) - An internet blogger who wants to "legalize rape," announced on Wednesday night he was canceling a world-wide meet-up day for his internet followers.
Roosh Valizadeh made a posting recently that he supported the legalization of rape if it were on private property. Soon after posting about international locations where members were to gather on Saturday, Valizadeh posted on his blog the event was no longer happening.
"I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not(sic) be made private in time. While I can't stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meet-ups. The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supporters who are let down by my decision," wrote Valizadeh.
Survivors of sexual assault found the posting and event offensive.
"They're really aren't words," said Courtney Underwood, a survivor who lives in Dallas.
At 15-years-old, Underwood was held at knife-point and raped by her pastor. Underwood is now an advocate for survivors of sexual violence and rape.
"He wasn't being satirical, he wasn't making a joke. I really think he believes this," said Underwood.
Return of Kings planned seven different meet-up locations in Texas. The Dallas spot was supposed to happen at local bar British Beverage Company in Uptown.
"I thought it was bizarre," said Ashleah Fox, a server.
The posting about a meet-up at British Beverage Company caught staff totally off-guard.
"I didn't even think it was real," said Tessia Thomas.
Management at the bar plans to have extra security on Saturday despite the group announcing the meet-up was canceled.
Employees said several customers had called and were concerned about the meeting.
"We're not a part of this at all. We're not even letting them in the building," said Fox.
Dallas Police said it is monitoring the even and will respond accordingly.
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings called the group repulsive and said the group is not welcome in the city.
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