Newsweek and TMZ just revealed the content of what they say are post-breakup texts from Chloe Dykstra to Chris Hardwick, which inevitably lead to a bunch of people saying that these (if they’re real, and they may be) are proof that he was not actually abusive to Dykstra.
This is wrong.
The texts are proof of nothing. Why?
First, whether the Chloe texts are real or manufactured, it’s not uncommon for abused partners to try to reconcile with their abusers. Eventually they’re convinced that they’re such garbage no one else would want them. This is what happens when someone makes you feel useless and stupid and ugly and damaged for months or years on end. It’s also incredibly common.
Second, you have to remember that according to Dykstra and several other industry sources, Hardwick was majorly sabotaging with Dyksrta’s career and reputation — like many survivors, she did whatever she had to do to get out from under him and make it all stop. And sometimes that means making nice with the guy who raped you. Because at some point, you just want to salvage whatever you have left. And for Dykstra, that was her career.
Chloe Dykstra’s account of abuse rang true with other abuse victims for a reason. She has nothing to gain, and everything to lose by coming forward. But like many women and men who have suffered abuse for a long time and managed got make it through to the other side, at some point you just feel compelled to speak your truth and let the chips fall where they may.
Chloe Dykstra deserves our support.
