November 30, 2015
A Philadelphia porn actress has accused her former boyfriend of rape.
In two tweets Saturday, Stoya, who according to the Philadelphia Inquirer grew up in Delaware and Philly and is a contributing writer for outlets such as Vice and The New York Times, said porn star James Deen sexually assaulted her and condemned those who idolize him.
The Inquirer reports that Stoya has not yet filed charges.
Deen, who in addition to performing in adult films starred in the 2013 movie The Canyons alongside actress Lindsay Lohan, has denied the claims.
He called them "egregious" Sunday on Twitter, saying that he respects women.
There have been some egregious claims made against me on social media
— James Deen (@JamesDeen) November 30, 2015
I want to assure my friends, fans and colleagues that these allegations are both false and defamatory
— James Deen (@JamesDeen) November 30, 2015
I respect women and I know and respect limits both professionally and privately
— James Deen (@JamesDeen) November 30, 2015
In light of the claims, the women's website The Frisky has stopped publishing a sex advice column written by Deen, the Huffington Post reports.
An article on the website written by editor Amelia McDonell-Parry said while she liked working with Deen and she understands accusations aren't necessarily a conviction, in cases like these oftentimes the victim's story is the only evidence. More from McDonell-Parry:
From a professional standpoint, as the editor of a women’s blog which has published the accused’s words, acting swiftly and decisively is the least that I can do. The court of public opinion is not a court of law, and I don’t need Stoya or any woman to “prove” that she has been raped for me to believe her. Women who come out as rape victims are far, far, far too often not believed.
The hashtag #solidaritywithstoya has gained traction on social media, with several posting their support for the actress.
The courage it takes to come forward with personal details of sexual assault or rape is ENORMOUS. #solidaritywithstoya
— Sarah Dunsworth (@SarahDunsworth) November 30, 2015
No means no. No matter what job you do. No matter if he's your partner. No matter how many times you've said yes. #solidaritywithstoya
— Laurie Penny (@PennyRed) November 29, 2015
Good-looking guys can be rapists. Popular guys can be rapists. Guys considered to be feminists can be rapists. #solidaritywithstoya
— Gareth Watkins (@GarethLWatkins) November 29, 2015
Stoya hasn't posted anything else since making the accusations and couldn't be reached for comment, according to the Post.
