*By Madison Alworth* Lauren Sivan wants to show other women who have been victims of harassment and abuse by powerful men that she has their backs. "It's always easier to stay silent," she said Wednesday in an interview with Cheddar. "And I think before this fall, it was a lose-lose for any woman who wanted to come forward." Sivan, a TV journalist and outspoken member of the #MeToo movement, is the host of the new Oxygen show, "Abuse of Power." The series exposes men in different professions who use their position to lie, cheat, and mistreat women. That includes, Sivan said, men like her former boss at Fox News, Roger Ailes, and the disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. "Roger Ailes ran that company. He was the big boss," said Sivan. "You weren't going to make a complaint about your boss to HR, who also worked for your boss. You weren't going to risk your entire career or reputation." After reports of Ailes's harassment of women at Fox, and accusations against Weinstein, Sivan spoke up about her own experiences with the two men so their other victims would not feel alone. "There is strength in numbers," she said. That's why she spoke publicly about her experience with Weinstein when several actresses and others came forward about the producer's behavior. "Because we've seen the outpouring of women coming forward with their stories, the climate is changing." Speaking out is a personal choice, Sivan said, adding that every woman must make that choice for themselves. "I wasn't worried about my job," she said. "I was worried this is what's going to come up every time someone Googles me." Still, she was committed to showing her support for other victims. "The rest of us need to stop looking at the victims for why didn't they do this, or why didn't they," said Sivan. "Stop shaming them for the timeline that they decided to come out and really look at the perpetrators and ask why didn't anyone else stop them." That's what her show, "Abuse of Power," a true-crime documentary series, aims to do. It looks at a town sheriff, religious leaders, and other men with standing in their communities who exploit their positions of relative power to victimize others. "If you're a true crime fan, you'll absolutely be into this show," she said, adding: "In each case, justice is finally served in some capacity, but sometimes it takes decades." [Oxygen's "Abuse of Power"](http://www.oxygen.com/abuse-of-power) has its debut on May 12. For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/new-oxygen-show-abuse-of-power).

Share:
More In Culture
Cheddar Paws: National Dog Day
Ahead of National Dog Day on Saturday, Alina Hauptman from Best Friends Animal Society joined Cheddar News to discuss adopting a dog from a shelter and what the organization is doing to help pets that have survived the Maui fires.
On The Scene: National Whiskey Sour Day
Today is National Whiskey Sour Day and Cheddar News is celebrating! Michelle Castillo spoke with Celina Perez, head distiller at Great Jones Distilling Co. in Manhattan, to discuss how the business got started with a state-of-the-art operation and the process involved in making their fine whiskey drinks.
Britney and Barbra's Memoirs Among Major Releases, But Political Books Are Fewer
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are the most likely nominees for the 2024 presidential election, but you won't see many new books about either this fall. A Barnes & Noble official says there's “an exhaustion of interest" in political titles right now, even in books about Trump, Biden's immediate predecessor in the White House.
Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte Turns 20
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte goes on sale Thursday in the U.S. and Canada, as it does each year when the nights start getting longer and the fall winds gather.
Enjoying A Staycation at JFK Airport's TWA Hotel
Cheddar News explores how you can enjoy a more affordable getaway while staying local. The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York City offers a day getaway with convenience and nostalgia as added ingredients.
Load More