EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
It was incredibly nerve-wracking to sit down with a reporter from KATU, a news outlet that had been part of the firestorm of allegations and speculation about me.
I was so stressed that the moment I actually sat down in front of the cameras I had tunnel vision and it took several moments to be able to speak. Once I regained some composure and pushed down the tears, the reporter asked me questions for an hour, including many that she knew I couldn’t fully answer because of the ongoing investigation into the allegations put forward by the media. It has been so difficult not to be able to defend myself.
Although I did my best to manage I was stressed and worried every day until the interview aired because I feared it would be cut and spliced into another sensationalized, inaccurate story. It was hard to watch once it aired, but in the end I was relieved and I appreciate that the reporter stuck to her pledge not to over-sensationalize or mold whatever I said into a pre-created narrative.
But then, I learned this reporter was going to be interviewed by another media show to give her opinions of what it was like interviewing me! The anxiety spiked again. Was she going to stick to her promise to stay fair not spin and sensationalize just to crank up ratings?
I am beyond relieved and grateful to say that she did. She stayed in integrity. This feels like a big step in taking back my high-jacked identity. I am grateful for the opportunity and for fair treatment. And, I am so, so, so appreciative of all of my friends, colleagues and supporters who are sending kind and loving comments. Thank you.