Mrs America viewers appalled by sexual abuse scenes as victim ‘swept under the carpet’ by feminists
VIEWERS of MRS America have been left appalled by scenes showing sexual abuse claims 'swept under the carpet' by feminists.
The BBC drama depicts the true story of the fight for equal rights for women in the 1970s.
Cate Blanchett plays the notorious and outspoken conservative Phyllis Schlafly, who led a backlash against the bid to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the US.
But it was the actions of the feminists and democrats which led to viewers' outrage as they watched scenes showing vulnerable women being "sold out" to protect politicians.
One particular scene in episode six, saw Bella Abzug (Margo Martindale), a social activist and leader of the Women's Movement, refuse to help Shirley Chisholm break the story of incidents of sexual abuse, where secretaries were being forced to perform sexual favours for the congressmen they worked for.
Shirley, played by Uzo Aduba, was the first black major-party candidate to run for President.
But Bella refuses to help Shirley - because she doesn't want to upset the people she feels are her allies.
"White feminist closing an eye to assault for the "greater good" ughhhhh i hate it here. #MrsAmerica," said one viewer.
Another added: "MrsAmerica ep this week had a pretty apt display of progressives negating assault charges against men they think they need."
A third added: "Finished watching "Mrs. America" this week.
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"Dems could sexually harass and assault their staff just like Republicans."
One fan of the show commented on how relevant Bella's actions still were and said: "This week’s ep of Mrs. America is depressing in how relevant it is re: the sexual abuse of women being sidelined because the political calculus concludes acting on it would be worse for “all women.”
"We’re still fighting the same battles, and being sold out to protect powerful men."
While others compared the incident to more recent events.
One said: "Watching Mrs.America and thinking of @MonicaLewinsk - there was so much sexual abuse of young women staffers that it was just a casual fact on the hill, and yet SHE was blamed, tormented and the butt of jokes. #MeToo"
Monica Lewinsky was a White House intern who President Bill Clinton went on to admit he had an 'inappropriate relationship" with.
Mrs America continues tonight at 9pm on BBC Two, with all episodes available to view on iPlayer now.