Podcast star Alex Cooper recently opened up about her painful experience with sexual harassment during her time at Boston University. This revelation came during the premiere of her Hulu documentary, Call Her Alex, which highlights the struggles she faced as a young athlete.
Cooper described a three-year ordeal involving her soccer coach, Nancy Feldman, who she claims abused her position of power. In the documentary, she revisits the soccer field that she once loved, recalling how it felt to be back in that place where her life took a troubling turn.
“It was like stepping back into the past. I felt small again,” she said. Cooper shared that she kept quiet for almost a decade, partly because she felt no one would believe her. She decided to speak out not just for herself but also to bring attention to the ongoing issues of harassment at the university.
Feldman retired in 2022, but Cooper claims that university officials ignored her warnings and brushed off her concerns. She reported that when she approached them, they dismissed the idea of investigating Feldman. Instead, they told her she could maintain her scholarship.
Now, as Cooper shines a light on her story, she hears from other victims. She believes harassment isn’t just a college issue but a persistent problem in various workplaces, highlighting a systemic issue that needs to change.
“Women everywhere deal with this,” she said. “It’s terrifying to speak up, but if you don’t, nothing will change.”
Interestingly, Cooper’s story resonates with broader trends. According to a survey by Stop Street Harassment, about 81% of women report experiencing some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime, showcasing the significant challenge women face in speaking out against abuse.
The documentary also touches on a deep personal struggle for Cooper. She mentioned feeling especially pained by the fact that her alleged harasser was a woman. This adds a layer of complexity to the conversation about gender dynamics in sports and professional environments.
As Cooper’s narrative unfolds in the documentary, she connects it to her broader journey. She launched her podcast Call Her Daddy in 2018, which grew rapidly among young listeners. With over 60 million downloads, it became a powerful platform for discussing taboo subjects, including consent and harassment.
Despite her success, she reflects on the deeper implications of her experience. “If I have resources and still struggled to be heard, how can others find the courage?” she said.
Cooper’s openness is a call to action for many. She emphasizes that while speaking up is intimidating, it’s a crucial step toward change.
While her documentary premieres on Hulu, it has already sparked discussions across social media. Users are sharing their own stories and encouraging others to speak out, hoping for a future where voices like Cooper’s lead to systemic change in how harassment is addressed.
The fight against harassment in all its forms continues. Cooper’s courage in sharing her story not only supports her healing but also inspires others in similar situations to find their strength and share their truths.
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Alex Cooper,Call Her Alex,Call Her Daddy,Tribeca Festvial