It seems like a lot of people are passing judgment on Johnson without knowing all of the facts. If it is true that the alleged victim asked Johnson to stay quiet about the assault, then I see nothing wrong with what he did. If he influenced her to keep quiet, I certainly would be on the opposite side of the fence, but if she independently chose to not press charges and did not want the incident gaining public attention, that's her choice, and I think Johnson should have honored that.
Until proven, an allegation is simply an allegation, and for some reason, when it comes to sexual assaults, Americans tend to throw due process out the window and vilify the accused before he has had his day in court.
Certainly if I were Johnson, I would have encouraged her to go to the police, and he may have done that; the article doesn't discuss that.
But in not going to the police upon the alleged request of the victim, I don't think Johnson did anything wrong. On the contrary, if I were the victim and someone had taken this public against my wishes, I'd be pretty pissed.
Yes, I do think it is important to know if she asked him to be quiet or not, but if a friend of yours, someone who worked for you, etc was sexually assaulted would you just say quiet about it or would you go to the police?
Stay quiet. Sexual assault cases are difficult to prosecute without corroborating evidence and/or witnesses, and unfortunately often difficult even with them. Plus, the defending attorney will usually do eir best to paint the victim as a slut who either invited the attack or could have prevented it by being more prudent. Worse, since the accused is a prominent person, the woman might be portrayed as a golddigger and/or publicity seeker who is trying to portray something consensual as non-consensual for her own benefit. It is horrific the way rape victims are often victimized again by the defense in these cases, and it is fully understandable why not every victim may not wish to do that.
I'd urge her to go to the police, but if she refuses, I would be uncomfortable second guessing a horrible decision that no one should have to make.
