Article by Thomas

https://www.facebook.com/thomasblacharz/posts/10154230456423321

To the Swing Community, (I’m sorry for my english)

I’m terribly saddened by the situation and the unspeakable act revealed. Ruth Evelyn, I support you.

As being Max’s first teacher and a long time friend, I have been deeply seeking help to understand what happened and what I could have done better to not let this happen. To be truthful, I have always known that Max liked women and seduction, yet I never came to the conclusion that he was abusing women. I was more under the impression that he had a solid sex appeal. I must admit I suspected that Max behaved with a lot more respect in my presence.

I would like to be clear that I never was his confidant in these situations. He has acted and made decisions, and he deserves the consequences of those actions.

For my part, I definitely should have done better at calling him out on his questionable behavior, confronting him about rumors I had heard, and pushed him to be more respectful. I really wish I could have helped more and that I had the courage to be a better friend. I have failed terribly to live up to my own values.

My love goes directly to the survivors.
I am so sorry for what you are going through and I am sorry that I didn’t do much to protect you.

We are all responsible for the future of this community.

-Thomas