A shared experience: Laura Whitmore's article stirs up an emotive response

There has been an outpouring of support from fans, friends and those further afield, in response to Laura Whitmore's strongly worded piece of writing in the current issue of Hot Press. The article has increased awareness of the issue of sexual harassment, which plagues women across the spectrum of society – and is also an everyday reality for women who are working in the media.

Her carefully chosen words have sparked a huge response – from empathy and anger through "women must empower other women" comments, and on to retweets to the social media feeds of sexual violence centres, many voices have been raised in support and understanding.

Here is just a small selection of the social media comments we've seen today.

@thewhitmore Love & solidarity, darling. Your bravery in speaking out will help so many women x

— Roe McDermott (@roemcdermott) April 12, 2018

Well done Laura for expressing your views in such a articulate way. @thewhitmore

— Ewan Venters (@ewanventers) April 12, 2018

Every woman, & every man should read this article. Twice. @thewhitmore I salute you. Xhttps://t.co/y0lYZbMnFj

— ClaireBlennerhassett (@Claireissimo) April 12, 2018

Laura Whitmore: The Routine Abuse of Women Must Stop https://t.co/n1HV02xDYB via @@hotpress

— Sexual Violence Cork (@SVCCork) April 12, 2018

@thewhitmore this article is amazing!! Im sure almost every woman in Ireland has experienced something like or similar to this on a night out. I know I have. Thank you for speaking out ?? https://t.co/UhMCCfWtCB via @@hotpress

— Maryese Noonan (@MaryeseNoonan) April 12, 2018

You're an inspiration @thewhitmore. #standinaweofallmná. ☘️?

— Tina Reganbot (@reganbot) April 12, 2018

Such an honest read. Resonates with so many of us and especially those who work in media, it can be quite a vacuous industry. Well done L x

— Bríd Stenson ??? (@bridstenson) April 12, 2018

I'm sure you'll get some backlash for this but if you open even a handful of people's eyes you are making a difference. Well done and Thank you ❤️

— Eimear Morhan (@scheimear) April 12, 2018

Very brave Laura you will have helped other women with this article it must have been a hard write.

— Michelle Morrison (@Mich02morrison) April 12, 2018

One woman army @thewhitmore has written a very sobering piece on sexual assault, celebrity magazine culture - which is basically legalised stalking / perversion and lad culture. It's blistering. Read and share. https://t.co/StvNRGdN9C

— Eoghan McDermott (@eoghanmcdermo) April 12, 2018

The full article is now available in the latest issue of Hot Press and also online.