TV News Outlets Reveal Steubenville Teen Rape Victim’s Name

CNN, Fox News and MSNBC have come under fire for showing footage where defendant Trent Mays names the underage victim in the Steubenville, Ohio rape trial. So terrible!

On March 16, Ma’lik Richmond, 16, and Trent Mays, 17, were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl in Steubenville, Ohio. Following the guilty verdict Trent took to the stand to apologize to his victim, whom he named publicly in court, and shockingly this footage was aired by national newscasters CNN, Fox and MSNBC. This is a total violation of the victim’s privacy, and because of this the news outlets have come under fire.

Major News Outlets Release The Name Of Steubenville Rape Victim

Ma’lik and Trent were sentenced to one and two years in juvenile detention respectively for their crime, and following the verdict, Trent, a football player, publicly apologized to the victim.

“I would truly like to apologize to [victim’s name], her family, my family and the community,” said Trent, followed by “No picture should have been sent around, let alone even taken.”

Trent is referring to the fact that after he and Ma’lik raped the severely intoxicated fellow high school student, they then swapped pictures and stories of the her online in the days afterwards.

After Trent revealed her name, CNN, Fox, MSNBC and WTRF aired the uncensored clip, as reported by the Daily Mail. CNN came under fire for reporting that the “promising” lives of the two boys would be ruined, instead of focusing on the victim.

This is a complete and utter violation of the victim’s privacy, as she has a right to remain anonymous. The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence encourages news outlets not to publish the names of minors alleging sexual abuse or rape, or to report information that will make the minors identifiable.

What a tragic end to a tragic case.

What do YOU think HollywoodLifers? Are you horrified that the girl’s name was released?