How Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Harassment Almost Destroyed Me

Words_and_Wisdom

Boy don't I have a tale to tell.

How Being Falsely Accused Almost Destroyed me and how I surged above it all.




I went to Anime Central over the weekend. It was intense. So much energy, and a lot of people I met. I must've at least spoke to 50 different strangers, guys and girls alike. All of them which were awesome and really enjoyed the vibe I gave off.

However, there were 3 among them which happened to completely ruin (or attempt to ruin) my weekend.

How Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Harassment Almost Destroyed Me


So I stayed at the Hyatt with several roommates. Payed my fair share for the nights I were staying for to the one who booked it. First night wen't alright. Felt like I was intentionally being ignored by a few of them though which made me uneased. The following morning some others were switching out.



Walking about on Friday I met a group of cosplayers. I'll keep the details rather minimum. There was a girl I chatted up with casually. I tried to step her just a tad away from her friends, but whatever vibe she felt she instantly got defensive and clammed up. My empathic side sensed it and made me shut in just as much, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt as I felt I was leading too strong onto her. I tried to apologize but she wouldn't let me talk to her. I went to my room to rest up, get over this blunder which took an hour to resolve.

However the rest of the day went pretty well on that Friday. Got 4 hours of sleep, ate a snack, then rested for another 2. During that time a lady came in to settle in the room as I was sleeping. It was really hot and I just laid in my underwear half-naked. No one complained though. I did hit on her lightly but she mentioned a boyfriend. I kept it to a friendly banter as I prepared to get into cosplay.


How Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Harassment Almost Destroyed Me


Hours later I went out to buy a few things for my Brother's Niece and his Wife's Little Sister. I brought it back to the room I was staying in, but accidentally ran into that woman making out with her boyfriend. I apologized, talked to them briefly, and set my stuff back in my little corner. The boyfriend I did not know was going to be staying at the room. Nor did I know anyone was going to be in the room at the time.

Later that day I was told to come back to the room. Security came. Specifically the head of security working at the hotel. He told me 3 anonymous people complained of 'sexual harassment' about me, two of which were from the hotel room. I was shaking. Completely shocked at this...accusation. The mere pointing of fingers and misunderstanding can completely destroy a guys life.

Thankfully I dodged a bullet. I was just told I was banned from the Hyatt and had to move my stuff out. No police report, no legal charges. I wallowed throughout the day after I was able to get my stuff out of the room and into my car.

I was in tears. Utter distraught of the betrayal of trust I had with other people, trusting people to be vulnerable to, authentic. Empathetic. By no means am I the most sociable person, and some of the things i do say may come out the wrong way, but given a chance I'd make amends. Neither of them wanted to give me that chance.


How Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Harassment Almost Destroyed Me


I did have a saving grace in the form of a good friend named Jorge. I met him on a self-development page on Facebook, and he was visiting the convention as well. I met him at the train and bus stop a few blocks away from the convention center. We talked for a good hour or two. He let me stay at his place which wasn't that far away.

We went out again just to hit up people. And I felt something strange overcome me in that time. For the first hour of being at the convention center I felt like a robot with a clean slate. Gazing into the crowd without a thought going on. This...emotion was intense, but indescribable. I saw a woman in this elven archer cosplay I wanted a photo of. This was the first time I communicated solely of gesture, without words. I couldn't even speak. I got a few photos of her, I walked up and shook her hand. I looked into her eyes, and my honesty came out. "I have no words." I smiled with my eyes relaxed wide open. In that moment I could've at least gotten her number and name. I felt it. Though the other photographers wanted a picture which interrupted me.

Then I felt this feeling intensify. For 10 minutes I just snapped. I spoke to three girls in a row. I spoke few words. And yet I got their numbers. One by one. It's like this divine self just popped out. Jorge was with me the whole time and described them as utterly captivated by my energy. He noted them being seduced to this aura like he never seen before. I was too focused on trying to comprehend this state of mind that I couldn't even notice myself what they were feeling. I had eye contact on them, but I didn't see their expressions, too blinded by the trauma I endured earlier and how I got out of it miraculously.

I can only now describe this feeling as a state of invincibility. I felt the pains, the anxiety, the butterflies in the stomach. But it just couldn't affect me.


How Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Harassment Almost Destroyed Me


I also can mention I had this intense stare into my own eyes at a mirror. I never seen myself in that way before. Like I saw my own divine self through those eyes, feeling that presence wash over me.



I met so many cool people at Anime Central. A few conspired against me to destroy my day, my life. If it weren't for Jorge, I honestly don't know what I'd be doing. I might have actually attempted suicide if not for him. It was frightening to be accused like that. But it's just as scary, though on a different plane, to know that I got out of it alive, and not only that but also thrived!

Be careful of your words and pay attention to your feelings. If you let yourself get overwhelmed you could potentially ruin an innocent person's life. A lot of people don't have that social aptitude, the ability to sense vibes or expressions until it's just a moment too late. Empathize with how they feel too, even if they make you feel uncomfortable. It likely is because they're as uncomfortable with themselves, or being around others. And you know, more likely and not they have genuinely good intentions and wish to see you have an enjoyable time.

And to those who fear socializing and meeting new people, you need to go for it. You owe nothing to the world but your authenticity. You'll meet amazing new people that way. If you have to make new enemies in order to find amazing new friends, or even lovers, I trust you it's worth it.

How Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Harassment Almost Destroyed Me
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