Why did we expect more from Rose McGowan?

Last week, Rose McGowan was confronted by a trans activist while on tour for her newly released book “Brave”. The activist asked Ms. McGowan about her advocacy, or lack thereof, on the behalf of trans women. Their interaction was reported on and transcribed by Variety. Ms. McGowan, seemingly oblivious of her power in the situation, did not treat the activist confronting with her any amount of grace or compassion.

Rather, she ranted about being labeled and said that the audience should be grateful for all that she’s done. It was quite the spectacle and seemed to disappoint many people online and beyond.

As I observed the reaction to Ms. McGowan’s handling of the controversy, I had one simple question, “Why would we expect her to do better?” Rose McGowan was an actress on Charmed, she was one of the first women to come forward with allegations against Harvey Weinstein, and according to her new book she was raised in a cult. To me, this might make her an expert on acting, on living with the trauma of sexual assault, and on growing up in a cult.

However, I don’t think any of this makes her an expert on feminism, advocating for women’s rights, or on the social and political changes needed to shift power and prevent sexual violence. I believe that Ms. McGowan’s leadership in this space is a result of her platform as an actress, her platform is not the result of her leadership.