[semperfaux]

The reaction was very reasonable (generous, in fact): A bit of denial followed by a very discreet "no thanks."

The unfortunate thing is that the conclusion was "we probably just shouldn't take the money." For someone who clearly considers herself proactive and professional on matters of sexuality, this a rather profound failure in terms of sexual equality.

Don't get me wrong: This is exactly what I'd do. But it's not what I'd expect from someone selling a brand called "gutsy broads" and boasting credentials including "sexuality specialist."

Standing up to sexism isn't easy. But this isn't even an attempt, from someone who should at very least be making an attempt, not selling anecdotes that do little more than pat the author on the back for... what, exactly? This is very tepid commentary on what would otherwise be a fairly significant incident to someone in such a position.

[DanBC]

You call her out for not "making a stand"[1] but don't say much about the actual problem: some sleazy guy sexually assaulting her.

That kind of attitude is sub-optimal.

[1] A move that could be considerably negative for her.

[graeme]

Agreed. And as an another commentor noted above, hopefully she was able to privately name this investor to YC. They're well positioned to take effective action in a way that doesn't put the author at risk.

We've unfortunately seen far too many cases where "being a woman on the internet" has led to harassment. Posting about this publicly and putting her name on it is already plenty gutsy.