The article, written by Sabrina Rubin Erdely, focused on the alleged gang rape of a young woman identified only as "Jackie." Once the story ran however, it was clear that Jackie's account of the attack had series credibility issues which Erdely failed to investigate or corroborate with other sources. Erdely even declined a chance to interview the accused attackers feeling their side of the story was not compelling enough. As the story unfolded however it was clear there are serious gaps in Jackie's story.
Rolling Stone quickly issued an apology but that apology ended up blaming Jackie, a potential rape victim, for the gaps in the story, rather than the magazine's own poor investigative journalism.
Sexual Assault on college campuses is a very real thing and an issue that must be addressed now, however when a pop-culture publication like Rolling Stone chooses headlines over journalistic responsibility and integrity, the result is a reality in which victims are less likely to come forward allowing dangerous predators to get away with one of society's most heinous crimes and the potential to commit those same crimes again.
Thoughts?
Click Here for the National Sexual Assault Hotline on how to get help or report potential sexual assault.