The problem is many people keep objecting in general but without ever providing ANY evidence or at least asserting clearly "this person X did Y". Taking generalized accusations at simple word of mouth is lynching, its not a scalable solution for society. There will always be people who lie or bend the truth when its to their advantage, unfortunately thats the world we live in - thats why we require evidence and a judicial process in crimes.

I know it must be very difficult, but basically powerful people get away with all kinds of things including but not limited to sexual harassment because of the same fears women have against reporting them - burning bridges, fear of repercussions, they might have strong reputations and powerful friends etc etc. For most of us, the only choice is to leave that environment because of that fear. Harassment, unfortunately it can be a bigger offense, but women face the same choices as anyone else - leave or risk a fight with a powerful person... It sucks but it sucks the same way for everyone.

She ultimately makes a good point - "The only thing more timeless than the abuse of power is the tolerance of abuse by those who most need the money.". Many people want the funding bad enough to keep interacting with unpleasant people and tolerate the abuse and hence ensure it continues.... they do have at least the choice to walk away, same as men, or better yet bring it to public awareness. Yet many choose to take the money and then complain - at that point they have no right to complain, because they have actively perpetuated the cycle of abuse in exchange for money and helped the abuser grow a little more powerful.

You can't take the bad guys money, knowing full well what it cost you AND complain about it.

> Is it so easy to say that's totally different from prostitution?

Indeed it is totally different. I don't understand how a reasonable person could honestly think this. I am not trying to be a jerk, it just seems disingenuous or incredibly ignorant. Are you sure you want your name attached to such a comment?

Let's spell this our pedantically:

The women we are discussing here were propositioned but turned the offer down. That is the exact opposite of prostitution. If anything being propositioned is a really good sign that you absolutely don't want to be in business with that person in any capacity. They very sensibly didn't tell anyone publicly, file any lawsuits, or press any charges because they didn't want to get blacklisted from the industry. It's the same reason you usually don't sue a landlord or former employer: People google your name, see the lawsuit, then drop your rental application / resume in the recycle bin. You can "win" the case only to end up losing big in the end. Even having a manufactured / fake controversy swirling around you can be damaging.

In fact this is the very root of the problem: some men feel entitled to treat women they come across as prostitutes whenever they feel like it. As if being a GP entitles them to offer introductions, favors, or money for sex.

(And to be extra pedantic: it is just a shitty if the GP is a woman hitting on a male founder. I can't imagine having someone dangle funding over my head to cheat on my spouse. It definitely tells you about their character though: they will continue to manipulate you to suit their fancy and toss you when they no longer have any need for you.)

My apologies, I hadn't thought through my comment, and did not until I read your response.

My thoughts were completely out of line and I was wrong.

> Is it so easy to say that's totally different from prostitution?

Yes. It is totally different, and it's very easy to say so.

I'm shocked anyone would need to actually ask this question given the overall context of the situation.

Gotcha. I am weak and thin skinned if I do not put up with proposals and prostitute if I ignore them.