Al Porter spoke out against sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, an interview has surfaced which took place before he was accused of sexual misconduct.
Speaking to Hot Press, Al had spoke about sexual harassment against women in the industry, a mid Harvey Weinstein allegations.
“I don’t care how provocatively a woman dresses, or how late at night she arranged to have a business meeting with you,” he told the publication.
“Or whether it was in your hotel room or not. If you’re grabbing her and she doesn’t want it, you’re in the wrong.”
The TV3 star also claimed he himself was subject to unwanted advances.
“It is my experience that if you are in a gay bar, if I had a euro for every time I was grabbed or pulled or somebody laid a kiss on me and I wasn’t expecting it at all,” he said.
Al, 24, who has now resigned from Today FM, also spoke about the #MeToo social media movement. Saying he felt a trial by media wasn’t the way to handle things.
“Trial by media isn’t a good thing,” he said.
“We also still have to rely on the fact that if you have been abused or assaulted you should be able to trust the Gardaí to investigate it on your behalf and for justice to prevail,” he added.
“I know that might sound like I’m defending these people but I’m not.
“I’m just saying equally, actual victims of abuse have to use this moment to have their voice and to try and give a sober comment on it because there is no point getting caught up in hysteria either.”
