A Culture of Silence and Exploitation
As a survivor of clerical sexual abuse, I have often grappled with the ways powerful institutions (such as the Catholic Church) protect abusers and exploit the vulnerable. The Church is a place that should serve as a moral beacon. Instead, it has too often turned a blind eye to abuse within its walls. It has too often betrayed the trust of countless individuals.
Although we should be able to hold the Catholic Church to a higher standard, this failure is not a problem found exclusively in the religious world. The same patterns of silence, exploitation, and cover-ups can be found in other churches and in other powerful sectors. Hollywood is one such prominent example. For years, it has hidden its abuses behind a façade of glitz and glamour.
What does this say about our culture? Why do those in power remain silent? Why do they so often choose to protect their own rather than the innocent?
The Failings of Two Institutions: The Catholic Church and Hollywood
The Catholic Church’s failures are deplorable, but they are not isolated. More and more, we have begun to see similar patterns in Hollywood. More abuse victims are coming forward to share their stories. In recent years, we have heard revelations about figures such as P. Diddy, Harvey Weinstein, and many others. The case of Justin Bieber, a young talent thrust into the spotlight at just 14, stands as a particularly shocking example. Bieber, like many others, was surrounded by greedy adults who prioritized profits over his well-being. He was pushed into situations no child should ever face.
There is a striking similarity between the Church and Hollywood. In the Church, abuse hides behind faith, false humility, and claims of holiness. In Hollywood, abuse hides behind the allure of fame, fortune, and glamour. Yet, at the heart of both are the same driving forces: pride and power. In both cases, those in control exploit the vulnerable for their own gain. Predators and far too many individuals maintain silence to protect themselves and their institutions.
The Roots of the Problem
Where abuse occurs, you often find more than just an isolated incident here and there. Grooming, manipulation, and the abuse of power are almost always involved in these situations of sexual abuse. They are also often found alongside other evils such as trafficking, abortion, pornography, all of which involve reducing human beings to mere objects. Whether it’s a priest abusing their position of authority or a Hollywood executive exploiting young talent, the underlying motivations are disturbingly similar.
The stories of victims such as Justin Bieber should horrify us all. There have been far too many individuals in Hollywood and other institutions forced into a world of unimaginable pressures and abuses. In the cases of child victims, the adults they should be able to rely on and be protected by, have turned a blind eye. They care only about themselves and protecting their profits–greed and selfishness on fine display. Much like the Church’s protection of abusive priests, Hollywood continues to prioritize money and fame over the safety and dignity of the vulnerable.
Is this the price of power? Are we to throw our hands up and accept that those in control will always protect their interests at the expense of those they exploit?
Hypocrisy and a Call to Justice
As Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of every human being. Yet, how can the Church speak out against the abuses of Hollywood especially after its own moral failings? One would like to think that the Church has learned from its mistakes. Sadly, the clerical abuse crisis shattered the credibility of the Church as a moral authority to some degree. This credibility has yet to be fully restored. Survivors like me have long demanded accountability, transparency, and reform. For too long, too many victims were met with silence. Believe it or not, the silence continues in favor of “more pressing” issues such as the environment, LGBTQ issues, and ultra-feminists demanding the “right” to become ordained deacons and priests.
This silence is not unique to the Catholic Church or to any institution for that matter. Hollywood protects its abusers – well-known and powerful individuals such as Harvey Weinstein and Hugh Hefner made their careers out of degrading others for personal gain. Even figures like “shock jock” Howard Stern, though not to the best of our knowledge physically abusive, have contributed to a culture that objectifies and exploits human beings in the name of “entertainment.”
While some high-profile individuals have faced justice, many more remain shielded by powerful institutions. They continue to prey on the vulnerable. What does this say about our culture? Why are so many among us so willing to look the other way?
Breaking the Cycle of Silence
To break the toxic cycle of silence, exploitation, and abuse, the Catholic Church, Hollywood, and all institutions must confront their sins and failings directly. The Catholic Church in particular must lead by example. It must work to restore its credibility so it can once again be a true voice for the vulnerable. In Hollywood, the exploitation of performers for profit, fame, and influence must come to an end. The dignity and well-being of all people needs to be respected.
Abuse needs to be addressed with honesty and courage. For too long, silence has protected abusers instead of victims. For too long, the powerful have gotten away with exploiting the vulnerable. We cannot look the other way and pretend that these realities don’t exist. Ignoring it won’t solve anything. Whether in the Church, in Hollywood, or anywhere else, abuse must be exposed and confronted. All predators must be held accountable. Survivors must be protected and supported.
A Call to Accountability
We cannot demand accountability, transparency, and justice from one institution while ignoring the failures of another. The abuse crisis within the Catholic Church shattered many people’s faith in its moral authority. Yet, the Church’s failure is sadly mirrored in other areas of society. This includes the entertainment industry.
Speaking out against abuse is not enough. We must also demand action and take action. Whether it’s the Church, Hollywood, or any other powerful institution, the exploitation of the vulnerable must end. Trust cannot be restored, nor healing come about until the profound harm that has been done is honestly addressed. This is no time to remain silent. We need to take action.
Are we truly willing to hold all institutions accountable, even those to which we feel personally connected? Facing the truth demands both humility and acceptance. Do we have the courage to do so? Or will we continue to let the powerful hide behind their wealth, influence, and deceptive appearances? The way we respond to these questions will determine whether real, lasting change can finally happen.
