An Open Letter To Joan Jett
Joan. Where do I even begin? One of the earliest memories I can recall of seeing a badass woman with a guitar is your music video for “I Love Rock and Roll”. I’ve admired you ever since. Hell, much of my in your face, no holds barred, androgynous Maximus aesthetic and approach to my career as a musician is directly inspired by you. We’ve all looked to you as the Queen of Rock and Roll and a fierce feminist icon for decades. You’re a god damn hero. Known for being brash, brave and unapologetic. And yet, here we are. I’m so disappointed in you.
How can you sit there and claim to have had NO KNOWLEDGE of your bandmates rape at the hands of Kim Fowley, the man you’ve questionably defended for so many years? I get it. You were a kid. You were fucked up. The power dynamics were confusing and convoluted. You may feel as though you owe your success to him in some way (you don’t - you would’ve made it without him because you’re brilliant). But for god’s sake - just be real with us. Or more importantly, with yourself. This isn’t just the word of one woman. Many witnesses have come forward to confirm Jackie’s story. Her replacement in the Runaways recalls you all joking about the rape, like it was no big deal. You’re telling us that you knew NOTHING? You were 100% unaware? I do not believe you.
It breaks my heart to see a woman who has broken down so many barriers & who has been so relentlessly strong be so weak and selfish. You famously sang that you don’t give a damn about your bad reputation. It’s clear to me now, after reading your dismissive statement about the rape of Jackie, that your reputation is ALL you care about.
If you have more to say, I’d love to hear it. Because this shit doesn’t add up. I know I’m not alone in this.
jacobvanloon
areudirty
2087
snowghoul
stormborns
