Model and domestic violence survivor sued after death for "failure to maintain a decent image"

[ccharles000]

This is pretty unbelievable. Choi Jin-sil, a South Korean actress and model who died by apparent suicide in 2008, is being sued posthumously for failing to maintain a decent image while working as a spokesmodel for the Shinhan Engineering and Construction Co, LTD.

What's worse is that the South Korean Court ruled in their favor. The heirs of Jin-sil are being forced by the courts to repay the damages requested, totaling the equivalent of almost $400,000.

So what is it that Jin-sil did to fail in maintaining a decent image? She was a survivor of her husband's abuse. Pictures were released after Jin-sil ended up in the hospital as a result of this abuse.

From The Chosun Ilbo:

The company paid Choi W250 million in March 2004 for modeling for apartment buildings. The contract included a clause that if Choi disgraced the image of the company by damaging her social and moral image through her own fault, she would repay the firm twice the modeling fee. Five months later, pictures of her beaten and of the inside of her house in a chaotic state were released.
As the clause states above, the fact that the Courts ruled in the company's favor means they actually believe that this abuse was "through her own fault." It's disgusting victim-blaming at it's worst, and shows that some people still blame women for domestic violence.

http://www.feministing.com/archives/015937.html

[ananda]

1. Lord, what is wrong with those people?

That ruling is so sick.. so wrong!

[ensho]

2. the male war against women strikes again

nt

[ccharles000]

3. I agree

[ccharles000]

4. kick

[kimmylavin]

5. How awful.

And of course, none of this is the husband's fault.

[ThomCat]

6. That is just incredibly fucking evil!

:grr:

How much must they hate women to blame the victim for the husband's abusive behavior? How misogynist must the judge be to rule in their favor? You would hope that a judge would know better, that the one who chooses to be violent is the one responsible for choosing to be violent.

Maybe the want to hire the husband as their next spokesperson. That seems to be the image they're going for. x(

"If your home is your castle, and you like to beat your staff, then step this way, M'lord, and let us show you your new home."

:puke:

[ccharles000]

7. I agree

[Wednesdays]

8. K&R

:kick:

[Triana]

9. MOST people still blame women for domestic violence. n/t