David Wu did not resign because of a “Sex Scandal” - he is accused of rape, or attempted rape

Oregon Rep. David Wu resigned from Congress today. Here is why:

Two people with knowledge of the recording and the later conversation with Wu said the alleged incident took place over Thanksgiving weekend. Sources said they were told that the woman went outside and Wu left after her. The sexual encounter followed, they said.

Two sources said the woman believed there was not enough evidence to press charges. There were no witnesses, and it would be her word against a seven-term member of the U.S. Congress.

David Wu resigned because an 18-year-old said he raped or attempted to rape her, but didn’t press charges. This is the norm. In the U.S., 60% of rape victims do not report the crime, with her reasoning being an important reason as to why. She was afraid of going against a powerful man in court. Because she knew how she would be treated.

Nonetheless, the U.S. media is reporting it as a “Sex Scandal,” such as Talking Points Memo: “David Wu Resigns From Congress Over Teen Sex Scandal.”

Calling it a “Sex Scandal,” or “unwanted sexual activity” or an “unwanted sexual encounter” just serves to soften why he resigned. An An “aggressive, unwanted sexual encounter” is rape or attempted rape. By definition. It most certainly not a “sex scandal.”

David Wu is being accused of raping or attempting to rape an 18-year-old girl. That is the fact of the matter. That is the correct word choice.

-WKW

Update: I added “Attempted Rape,” to this post, as it was not made clear in the story if sexual intercourse in fact took place. Wu has been previously accused of attempting to rape an ex-girlfriend. My reading of The Oregonian’s coverage of this, however, strongly suggests that this was rape. — WKW