Star Trek and Sexual Assault, Part 1.

In 2017, the #MeToo movement brought stories of sexual assault and harassment to the forefront of public consciousness. Some of the key figures in the campaign are part of the Star Trek family—most notably Ashley Judd and Anthony Rapp. Their willingness to share their stories played a major role in bringing many uncomfortable truths to light, particularly in relation to appalling behavior in the entertainment industry. But Star Trek is not itself immune from such shocking stories, as anyone who has read Grace Lee Whitney’s autobiography will know. The circumstances surrounding Janice Rand’s disappearance from The Original Series more than 50 years ago offer a sobering glimpse at the treatment of women by powerful men in Hollywood.

In this episode of Primitive Culture, the first of a two-part discussion of sexual assault in Star Trek, host Duncan Barrett is joined by Clara Cook for a look at some of the links between the franchise and the #MeToo movement. We also speak to Marina Sirtis about her own experiences as a young actress working in Hollywood in the 1980s, and some of the difficult storylines she performed as Deanna Troi. Tune in next week for Part 2 of the conversation as we explore the various ways—some literal and some allegorical—in which Star Trek has presented these important issues on screen.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The #MeToo Movement (00:04:06) Grace Lee Whitney and the Physiology of Trauma (00:27:05) Marina Sirtis Interview (00:54:00) Nana Visitor, Kate Mulgrew, and Anthony Rapp (01:09:05) Sexual Assault in Star Trek: Discovery (01:22:25)

Host Duncan Barrett Guest Clara Cook Production Duncan Barrett (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Tony Black (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Amy Nelson (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)