A blogger who believes rape that takes place on private property should be legalized launched an “International Meetup Day” for supporters to gather in various locations throughout the world, but it was canceled on Wednesday night due to safety and privacy concerns.
Daryush Valizadeh is known for his controversial books that advise men on the best methods to have sex with women and advocates that rape should be made legal inside a private home.
Valizadeh, better known as Roosh V, runs the website Return of Kings, which was going to host the 165 events in 43 countries on February 6.
Here is his statement:
I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time. While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meetups. The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supporters who are let down by my decision.
Hosts were initially asked to wait at meeting points all around the world Saturday at 8 p.m. for men who are interested in attending. The were are instructed to ask the question, “Do you know where I can find a pet shop?” Members who are part of the group would then respond, “Yes it’s right here.”
There were two planned locations in Connecticut:
- New Haven--at the World War I Memorial by the flagpole
- Stamford--In the square off of Franklin Street and Broad Street
A feminist group was going to protest planned events in Chicago.
Police in Des Moines had posted a safety alert on Facebook urging women to stay away from the event. They said, "there is concern that this may be a ruse to commit rape."
