Oh my dearest Colette. How brave of you to write this piece. And I agree with every single word. What you were forced to endure is beyond imaginable, utterly heinous, evil and as you know, entirely not your fault or the fault of culture.

I was not really discussing rape in my story. Rape is not gray — it is black and white and NEVER the fault of the victim or society.

I was talking about coercion and consent which I consider a completely different subject. I was talking about women being talked into having sex in a completely non-violent way when part of them may want to and there is a little voice saying no that they ignore for a million reasons which I believe do have to do with our culture and society.

I firmly assert that these are two extremely different scenarios and NEVER meant to give the impression that I considered rape a “bad choice” based on our culture, self-esteem or the way one is raised.

I humbly and sincerely apologize if that is the impression and message I sent because it is absolutely the furthest thing from the point I was trying to make.

I’m sorry if my piece triggered you in any way because I love and respect you so much and value our friendship more than I can say.