Over the weekend, Emma Watson delivered a note-perfect address to the UN on the importance of feminism. Particularly, Watson discussed how some people associate the term “feminism” with “man hating,” and explained that the cause is bigger than a few small-minded misconceptions. It was a good speech, but because no good deed goes unpunished in this crazy world, Watson has now become the target of a new private photo leak.
Shortly after her speech went viral, a 4chan user created a website with a countdown to the release of the alleged photos, spurring an online flurry of comments that can be charitably described as “monstrous” (one example: she makes stupid feminist speeches at UN, and now her nudes will be online, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH). Whether or not the photos actually exist is debatable, but regardless, Watson is facing the ugly side of activism. Here it is, 2014, and being a strong, articulate woman continues to be something that is just a little much for some anonymous online commenters to handle …