Katz Banks Kumin partners Debra Katz and Lisa Banks were interviewed on WGBH about Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Antonio Brown, Placido Domingo, and the #MeToo Movement.

It’s been a year since Dr. Ford’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and while Justice Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme Court, Ms. Banks believes that Dr. Ford’s bravery has been hugely impactful and an inspiration to women across the country. “I think that her testimony gave voice to millions of victims around the world. And what they have said is Christine’s testimony gave them the courage to stand up and speak when they didn’t have that courage before.”

Dr. Ford and #MeToo in general have also dramatically changed how employers and institutions handle allegations of sexual misconduct. In the case of Placido Domingo, there was initially great reluctance to hold the renowned opera singer accountable. “They said that because women did not put their names to the allegations, we’re not crediting them. That is no longer going to be acceptable,” Ms. Katz explained. Eventually Domingo resigned his position as Director of the Los Angeles Opera and withdrew from a number of other appearances.

There is still progress to be made – victims are often treated horribly after going public, and our institutions are slow to catch up – but Ms. Banks is optimistic. “Society has changed fundamentally. In the last two years since the advent of #MeToo, society has moved forward in a way it hasn’t moved forward previously.”

Watch the full clip below.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=e4vcNFua1XQ%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+allow%3D%22accelerometer%3B+autoplay%3B+encrypted-media%3B+gyroscope%3B+picture-in-picture%22+allowfullscreen%26gt%3B%26lt%3B