Let’s say a powerful older male judge on an important talent show demanded to kiss a shy young woman on national television BEFORE judging her performance.  She refused and he insisted, pulling the young woman close and kissing her without her consent.

Wouldn’t the #MeToo and #TimesUP internet be enraged, asking that he be booted off the show or severely punished? There was some viewer push back on Twitter but not nearly enough.

Inappropriate pressure was applied to 19-year-old American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze. He told the judging panel he had never kissed a girl. Katy Perry motioned for him to give her a peck on the cheek — only to turn her face at the last second and kiss him full on the lips. Then she demanded a “smacking” sound from him.

Glaze staggered in surprise.  The other judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie howled with laughter and gave Perry high-fives. Glaze was rattled before his performance.  He said he was uncomfortable because he wanted to save his first kiss for his first relationship.

American Idol and Katy Perry insisted it was all in good fun. But that’s what inappropriate men have been saying to women for years. #MeToo applies to men. I don’t care how Glaze or the show has backpedaled, saying it all turned out okay. Pressure much? I don’t care how important or attractive the celebrity is- no thanks means no.

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