Revenge Porn Blac Chyna Rob Kardashian | A New Form of Relationship Abuse | Marriage Counselor

Reality television star Rob Kardashian made headlines last week after publicly posting privately shared nude photos of ex-fiancée Blac Chyna on his Instagram account while accusing her of infidelity. Kardashian also shared a video of Chyna in bed with another man and made various defamatory claims against his ex, taking his tirades to Twitter after his Instagram account was deleted for violating the site’s policies on nudity.

Matters were further complicated when Chyna took it to Snapchat to accuse Kardashian of physical abuse.

The former couple shares an infant daughter together.

Kardashian’s actions are largely being labeled as revenge porn. This adds to the list of celebrity revenge porn cases making the news. “The OC” actress Mischa Barton recently won a court case against an ex-partner who was attempting to sell a sex tape in which she was featured. The tape was reportedly filmed without the actress’ consent.

It appears Chyna may take legal action as well- she has reportedly hired well-known civil rights attorney Lisa Bloom, who described revenge porn as “an important women’s rights issue” and claims her client will be seeking a restraining order against Kardashian.

The Internet has brought celebrity relationship drama closer to the public than ever before. But the dispute between Kardashian and Chyna is no normal lover’s spat. Revenge porn is a serious offense that can wreck the lives of the victims involved. Not only is it reprehensible- it is an emerging form of abuse.

Let’s delve into the details:

Revenge porn: What is it?

Revenge porn refers to a form on nonconsensual pornography, but the two terms are not necessarily interchangeable. Not all perpetrators of nonconsensual pornography are driven by malice; some are hackers desiring monetary compensation, recognition, etc. Under the umbrella of nonconsensual pornography is revenge porn, which is defined by the vindictive intent of the perpetrator. Those who create, distribute, or threaten to release explicit content with the intention of embarrassing, blackmailing, and/or coercing their current or former romantic partners are trafficking in revenge porn. These intimate photos or videos may have been shared by the victim with the expectation that they’d be kept private, or in the Barton’s case pictures/videos were created without the victim’s knowledge.

It is this intent to embarrass, blackmail, and/or coerce that makes revenge porn a form of relationship abuse. By using intimate photos or footage as a weapon to humiliate and manipulate a current or former partner, the abuser attempts to establish dominance and control over the victim. Victims of revenge porn are often left mentally and emotionally traumatized as a result of the abuse. Their reputations can be tarnished irreparably, affecting their careers and relationships with family and friends. Even just the threat of revenge porn can be enough to shake the victim’s entire world. This is what the abuser seeks to reinforce their hold over the victim while gaining the vengeance they crave.

Is it illegal?

Currently, 38 U.S. sates and the District of Colombia have laws to prosecute those who create and distribute revenge porn. In the state of California, where Kardashian and Chyna live, revenge porn falls under unlawful distribution of an image and perpetrators can be found guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. If found guilty in a court of law, Kardashian could face up to six months in prison.

What should you do if you are a victim of revenge porn?

If you have become a victim of revenge porn, it is important to know that (1) you are not alone and (2) depending on your states’ laws, there may be legal action that you can take against your abuser. Check out your state’s revenge porn laws.

Like other forms of mental and emotional relationship abuse, the effects of revenge porn cannot be seen like bruises and scars, but they are real and long-lasting. If you or someone you know is a victim, take action now.

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Author: Mayeling Angelastro, MA is an Orlando Winter Park Bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing help to couples, families, couples, children and teenagers with offices in Winter Park and East Orlando.  (407) 248-0030

CoAuthor: Ashley Garrett UCF Intern

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