Predatory sleaziness–across the political and entertainment spectrums–now seems, unconscionably, like the new news normal. In retrospect, Roman Polanski was ahead of his predator, power-male time. Bill Cosby, we now assume, was no anomaly.
Among the upshots of all the salacious creepiness are the seemingly candid admissions and “qualified” denials about improper sexual advances or outright assaults. No surprise that people in the public eye–and politician and celebrity now morph–would be employing disingenuous euphemisms in their self-defense. Among them, thanks to Richard Dreyfuss: “consensual seduction ritual.” Mr. Holland’s Opus, anyone?