We know drink-spiking happens. We know celebrities sometimes abuse their power. So why are we so quick to doubt this Melbourne woman?
A teenage girl goes to a party hosted by a rich, older man who’s previously been accused of assault, vandalism, drink-driving and even urinating in a bucket at a restaurant (what a guy).
After just a couple of drinks, the young woman’s vision becomes blurred and she collapses on the floor, incoherent and confused. The older man’s entourage are around, and she begins to feel scared.
She yells that she needs an ambulance, and later tells hospital workers she believes her drink was spiked.
So do you believe her?
Based on those facts, you probably do.
But what if I told you the rich older man was international pop star Justin Bieber, and the young woman was an aspiring model?
What if I told you she had her lingerie brand and a YouTube channel to promote?
What if I told you her Instagram selfies looked like this?
Those facts shouldn’t matter. Models and YouTube stars and lingerie brand owners can be vulnerable to criminal acts, of course. All women are.
But in the court of public opinion, the model — 18-year-old New Zealand national and Melbourne resident Bailey Scarlett — has already been discredited.