Local News, Crime, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 07 2018

Boyle brings Civil Rights and Women’s Advocacy Attorney Lisa Bloom to join the fight.

Long Island, NY - June 7, 2018 - On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, NYS Senator Phil Boyle hosted a press conference on two pieces of legislation he is sponsoring (S.642 and S.8663) regarding Revenge Porn. Revenge Porn refers to the dissemination of sexually explicit photos or videos online, without the individual in the photo's consent, often in retaliation after a relationship has ended poorly. S.642, which makes the unlawful dissemination of an intimate image in the first and second degrees a Class E Felony and a Class A Misdemeanor, passed the Senate overwhelmingly on March 19, 2018, as it has for the past five consecutive years. The civil portion of the legislation, S.8663, is currently pending in the Senate.

The Assembly Sponsor, Aileen Gunther, has a same-as bill (A.877), which has never moved in that house.

“Revenge porn can ruin a woman’s life, family and career,” Senator Boyle said. “As the social media phenomenon grows, more and more women are being violated and exploited by their ex-boyfriends and husbands. These private images go viral to the world and women have little or no legal recourse, at least not in the State of New York. “This is an issue where New York’s laws must be changed to keep up with technology. I implore the State Assembly to finally pass a revenge porn bill to that protects women from being violated, humiliated, and even endangered, by someone they once trusted.”

Accompanying Senator Boyle at the June 6th Press Conference, was widely acclaimed, high profile Civil Rights and Women's Advocacy Attorney Lisa Bloom. Ms. Bloom’s clients include actress Mischa Barton, model Janice Dickinson - a key defendant in the Cosby trial, and Blac Chyna, former girlfriend of Rob Kardashian who has accused him of revenge porn after their breakup. Her latest client is actress and recording artist, Teairra Mari of VH-1’s “Love & Hip Hop”, who alleges being victimized with revenge porn by her ex-boyfriend and his best friend, hip-hop recording artist 50 Cent. Lisa Bloom stated, “It’s time for New York to stand with the other 38 states and say no to revenge porn,” said Lisa Bloom. “This is an important women’s rights issue. In this “Me too” era, let’s support a woman’s right to decide what images of their body they choose to share. And, when that right is ignored, let’s make sure there are laws in place that will protect them.”

An additional speaker at today’s press conference was Lisa Bloom’s daughter, Sarah Bloom who is also an attorney specializing in women’s advocacy and revenge porn. During Sarah’s overview on revenge porn, she shared alarming statistics on its impact. Sarah stated, “Revenge Porn is the latest kind of victim blaming effecting women, especially young girls. “60% of people have sent an intimate photo of themselves to their partners, with the intention of those photos be kept private. When those images are used maliciously, it can have a devastating effect on their lives. We hope New York will be the latest state to stop this horrific practice.”

At the press conference, Lisa Bloom introduced a video prepared by Ms. Mari to lend her support to an anti-revenge porn legislation.

Currently there are 38 states with Revenge Porn legislation on the books, leaving New York sorely lacking, and its residents vulnerable to this form of cyberbullying. Lisa Bloom has committed her time and expertise on this issue to help New York become the 39th State to pass legislation to protect those who have been persecuted by this reprehensible act.