Yesterday, Time magazine named its Person of the Year as the "Silence Breakers" – a group of women and men who sparked the worldwide conversation about sexual harassment and assault.
And while it's important to note that the magazine bases its list on the people who "for better or worse have done the most to influence the events of the year", and that Person of the Year is therefore not always an accolade, Time also named President Donald Trump its runner-up.
Many people were angry that the magazine had chosen to champion the survivors of sexual harassment and assault while simultaneously offering the runner-up position to Trump, who has been accused of both in the past.
Time Magazine naming the #metoo movement as the 'Person of the Year' ...and then following it with Trump as second… https://t.co/dg7uuj1AMr
ok but how does Time Magazine name the victims and silence breakers of sexual assault Person of the Year, and then… https://t.co/FO17rNrJsO
Time magazine's Person of the Year title being awarded to those who've spoken out about their experiences of sexual… https://t.co/MtbDDS3U07
He was also referenced in the Silence Breakers feature as one of the reasons conversations around sexual harassment and assault have increased over the past year.
One person who was particularly angry at Time's decision was singer Demi Lovato.
She took to Twitter to vent her frustration, highlighting what she considered hypocrisy on the magazine's behalf.
Time mag highlights brave women coming forward against sexual assault on the cover but names a man with sexual assa… https://t.co/twpbBc07Wd
She went on to say that selecting Trump as runner-up was "disrespectful" to the women on the cover.
I’ve become less vocal about my distain for certain people over the past year because it only divides our country e… https://t.co/ssCNs7wyHj
And she said the decision should be based on the "bravery" of individuals rather than news impact.
To be named POTY by @TIME it should be for doing something positive or brave LIKE the women on the cover. It’s ann… https://t.co/g5Kbzj2Xqy
