via Brad Barket/Getty Images for CBGB

In a new exposé in the New York Times, nine women have accused the influential New York playwright Israel Horovitz of various forms of sexual misconduct and assault, including one woman who has accused him of rape. Israel is the father of Adam Horovitz, former Beastie Boys member known as Ad-Rock.


In a statement to the Times, Israel said he has “a different memory of some of these events.” He went on to add: “I apologize with all my heart to any woman who has ever felt compromised by my actions, and to my family and friends who have put their trust in me. To hear that I have caused pain is profoundly upsetting, as is the idea that I might have crossed a line with anyone who considered me a mentor.”

But when Ad-Rock was asked for a statement, he told the Times, “I believe the allegations against my father are true, and I stand behind the women that made them.”


It is refreshing to see this kind of allyship at a time when more and more women (and men) are coming forward with stories of sexual assault and abuse. An internet chorus of “Not all men” is founded upon the notion that it is challenging to think guys we know and like could commit assault. It is indeed difficult, but it is completely necessary. Adam’s comment reflects that grappling, while showing solidarity with survivors. We should all take a page of his book.