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6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

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Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#141

Post by Bartweiss »

ithinkinstereo wrote: post #99
gorbachev wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This apology translates to: "I think they're full of shit, but I apologize anyway"

No, thats not at all how his apology translates. This is his statement in full: Obviously, I am deeply disturbed by these allegations. While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable. The fact is that I have been privileged to have worked with female entrepreneurs throughout my career and I sincerely apologize to anyone who…

He's made a larger statement since, including:

"I have made many mistakes over the course of my career, some of which were brought to light this week. To say I'm sorry about my behavior is a categorical understatement. Still, I need to say it: I am so, so sorry." ... "I will be seeking professional counseling as I take steps to reflect on my behavior with and attitude towards women."

That's about as far as a person can go without making an admissible confession, and seems to clear up basically all doubt.

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#142

Post by astrodust »

sillysaurus3 wrote: post #14
drewrv wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In this case it's more of a "he said, she said, she said, she said, she said, she said, she said".

When it involves rich or powerful people, the ability to get many she-said's becomes easier. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but due process exists for a reason. We should reserve judgement until the investigation progresses further.

Except that people who "she said" often have a lot more to lose than the person they're accusing, and even if they're speaking the absolute truth they end up damaging their careers, reputations, and general well-being. The media scruitiny alone would destroy many people.

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#143

Post by [deleted] »

niniane wrote: post #58
sillysaurus3 wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When it involves rich or powerful people, the ability to get many she-said's becomes easier. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but due process exists for a reason. We should reserve judgement until the investigation progresses further.

I am one of the three women who went on the record: Niniane Wang. I'm one of the "she-said"s. I have nothing to gain from this. I am not suing. I'm founder & CEO of a Greylock-funded startup. Thankfully Greylock has come out in full support, but I didn't know that beforehand and was very nervous when I decided to do the article. The only way that any reporter would agree to publish was if I used my real name. I knew…

[deleted]

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#144

Post by ithinkinstereo »

handedness wrote: post #120
ithinkinstereo wrote: post #77

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's true, but we should also take into account how the nature of sexual harassment, and the often power imbalance between the harasser and victim, naturally provides the harasser with all the advantages. You are free to judge for yourself, but from the Information and Axios article, there does seem to be a preponderance of evidence to suggest Justin is either a serial sexual harasser/predator, at worst, or a total…

> the nature of sexual harassment, and the often power imbalance between the harasser and victim, naturally provides the harasser with all the advantages. That is correct in cases where harassment has occurred, yes. In cases of false accusation, though, the accuser has nearly all of the advantages. And it's not as if it never happens, either: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_accusation_of_rape#Estim... https://en.…

I see your points about false accusations, but how many false accusations cases involve multiple accusers spanning back years?

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#145

Post by stickfigure »

ithinkinstereo wrote: post #79
sp332 wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Updating your risk assessment doesn't mean you 100% believe someone is guilty. I stand away from cliff edges even if I'm pretty sure I'm not going to trip and fall to my death. And it's not like we haven't heard both sides: he already released two statements.

His statements are pretty damning and all but confirm this is all true. Edit: here is his statement Obviously, I am deeply disturbed by these allegations. While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable. The fact is that I have been privileged to have worked with female entrepreneurs throughout my career and I sincerely apo…

especially married, "family" men with kids - a daughter nonetheless

You had me up until this point. There are plenty of married-with-children men and women in consenting open/poly/swinger/etc relationships; we don't know enough to judge their marriage.

This doesn't make sexual harassment ok, but maybe sharpen your pitchforks with a little less glee?

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#146

Post by ithinkinstereo »

handedness wrote: post #123
ithinkinstereo wrote: post #79

Earlier quoted context omitted.

His statements are pretty damning and all but confirm this is all true. Edit: here is his statement Obviously, I am deeply disturbed by these allegations. While significant context is missing from the incidents reported by The Information, I deeply regret ever causing anyone to feel uncomfortable. The fact is that I have been privileged to have worked with female entrepreneurs throughout my career and I sincerely apo…

> Judge for yourself. Why the need to judge? Whether he's guilty or innocent, it's a tragic story for all involved, and it's not our job to make that decision: this is why we have a legal system on which our society is founded. Now, if I had a direct relationship with Mr. Caldbeck I would certainly make my own estimations and act accordingly, but I don't understand why everyone feels this need to act as judge and jur…

In this case, we don't have to judge. Caldbeck already admitted to it. Case closed, time for sentencing.

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#147

Post by shostack »

Anonymous888 wrote: post #111
ericvorheese wrote: post #104

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You really need to back up your assertions with concrete examples. Or you'll just be ignored.

I understand, and being ignored is okay. If someone affected by them sees this, they may feel empowered to step forward. I'd feel wrong putting names, situations, etc. out there, but the fact of the matter is, this isn't the end of this drama.

>"I'd feel wrong putting names, situations, etc. out there"

Isn't that what you just did with Jonathon Teo though?

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#148

Post by adekok »

coldtea wrote: post #84
ganoushoreilly wrote: post #66

is the last thing you want as a founder

Because men founders deal with sexual harassment (that they don't cause to others) often?

LMFGTFY: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2011/study-finds-gender-differe...

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/media-spotlight/201505/...

About 20% for men and 50% for women.

Your comment could also be interpreted as most male founders do sexually harass others. I'm not sure that's what you meant.

The reality is that a small percentage of people constitute the majority of bad behavior. Be it harassment, or criminal activity in general. The counter-part is that the majority of people don't really cause trouble....

so saying "men harass" would be wrong. Saying "the bulk of harassers are men" is more correct.

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#149

Post by tptacek »

reducesuffering wrote: post #116

What follows is a statement that Caldbeck provided to Axios this afternoon. "The past 24 hours have been the darkest of my life. I have made many mistakes over the course of my career, some of which were brought to light this week. To say I'm sorry about my behavior is a categorical understatement. Still, I need to say it: I am so, so sorry. I direct my apology first to those women who I've made feel uncomfortable in…

Compare with his firm's statement:

Binary issued a statement that said the notion Mr. Caldbeck had “engaged in improper behavior with female entrepreneurs” was “false.” Binary said that while The Information had “found a few examples which show that Justin has in the past occasionally dated or flirted with women he met in a professional capacity, let’s be clear: there is no evidence that Justin did anything illegal and there is no evidence that any of his investing decisions were affected by his social interest.

Re: 6 Women Accuse Tech VC Justin Caldbeck of Sexual Assault and Harassment

#150

Post by HarryHirsch »

rayiner wrote: post #125
gizmo686 wrote: post #97

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That is not the point. There are two ways to view the problem: it is either a women's problem, or a people problem that dissproportionantly affects women. By framing it as a womens problem, you are turning it into an issue of identity politics, with all the pros and cons that come with it. (eg, stronger solidarity from the in-group, at the expanse of alienating the out-group, as well as the growing backlash to identi…

Harassment is a problem that affects people in common, and men specifically and women specifically. Harassment against men versus women shares many things in common, but is not exactly the same. For example, a man who is harassed might have to contend with other men saying "why are you upset some woman is interested in you?" Conversely, a woman will often have to deal with harassment while already dealing with the ch…

Dunno. Who would be interested to work alongside or for someone who abuses his power to harass women? You'd think that many men would prefer politeness and professionalism over a fratboy outfit. You have to establish boundaries with the alpha oaf, at times you feel ashamed for someone else's behaviour or need to apologize and so on. If you frame the issue as a "women's problem" you ignore these aspects, and they shouldn't be ignored.
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