This is the story of how I was sexually harassed during a magic show.
For context, about two weeks ago on a Monday night, I had the opportunity to go to the Magic Castle in LA, as my friend Tyler’s +1. He, along with other students from Harvey Mudd College, got to attend. The Magic Castle is self-defined as “the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, Inc, a very special organization devoted to the advancement of the ancient art of magic.” If invited by a member, you can come dine and watch five different magic shows in three different venues throughout the castle. Formal attire is mandatory, e.g. their website tells gentlemen that, “While removing one’s jacket to watch a performance, dine or to wrap a female guest is acceptable, walking through the Castle sans jacket is not.”
(In retrospect, I really should’ve taken that comment as more of a red flag.)
I attended numerous shows, wandered through the castle, and dined with my friends. At 10 pm, we moved to the “Palace of Mystery” for the headliner of the night — Michael Finney (with a sort of “intermission act” whose name I cannot currently remember).
The following is my account of the events from that night, written the day after it happened. I have not edited it since (much), so the names are all names of my friends.
A Girl In Pursuit 