Celebrities from Rihanna to Kim Kardashian are bringing attention to the plight of Cyntoia Brown, a victim of sex trafficking who is currently behind bars for killing the man who abused her.
Newsweek reports that Brown was only 16 years old when 43-year-old realtor Johnny Mitchell Allen solicited her for sex. Even though Brown was a child at the time, she was charged and given a life sentence on murder and prostitution charges. She is eligible for parole after serving 51 years behind bars.
In the US state of Tennessee, laws on sex trafficking have changed so that children in Brown’s position are now deemed victims of sex trafficking. But the new law didn’t pertain to Brown back then.
Her story was posted on a now widely-shared Instagram post that read:
Imagine at the age of 16 being sex-trafficked by a pimp named “cut throat.” After days of being repeatedly drugged and raped by different men you were purchased by a 43 year old child predator who took you to his home to use you for sex. You end up finding enough courage to fight back and shoot and kill him.
[You’re] arrested as [a] result tried and convicted as an adult and sentenced to life in prison. This is story of Cyntoia Brown. She will be eligible for parole when she is 69 years old. #FreeCyntoiaBrown
A number of Tennessee residents have started an online petition to grant clemency to Brown. So far it has received over 100,000 signatures.
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.
That’s evil she survived drugged rapped used like that forced take her whole life how do they get away with this