Famed Buddhist nun Pema Chodron retires, cites handling of sexual misconduct allegations against her group’s leader

WASHINGTON POST

Sexual misconduct allegations against its leader continued to roil the Shambhala Buddhist community this week, with famed nun and best-selling author Pema Chodron stepping down as a Shambhala teacher, saying adherents are “yearning for accountability.”

The 83-year-old American nun, who wrote “When Things Fall Apart” in 1996 and appeared on

’s “Super Soul Sunday” this past fall, is one of the best-known faces of American Buddhism. She announced her retirement as a teacher in the Halifax, Nova Scotia-based global community in a Tuesday letter to the Shambhala board. read more »

The trial of ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has begun in earnest in New York with graphic prosecution statements on his alleged crimes.

BBC

Prosecutor Meghan Hast said he was a "seasoned" sexual predator with vulnerable actresses as his prey.

The 67-year-old denies five charges, including rape and sexual assault, relating to two accusers.

He could face life behind bars if convicted.

The trial is expected to conclude in early March. read more »

Lyft driver sentenced after sexually assaulting passenger

DAILY EAGLE

A Corona NY Lyft driver was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a female passenger who had fallen asleep during a ride to her home. read more »

University of Michigan provost suspended amid allegations of sexual misconduct

WASHINGTON POST

The University of Michigan is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by its provost, the school’s top academic officer, and has placed him on administrative leave, the university’s president announced Wednesday.

University officials received several reports of sexual misconduct against Martin A. Philbert, the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, late last week. The university opened an internal investigation Friday, Mark S. Schlissel, the president of the University of Michigan, wrote in a letter to campus Wednesday. The university retained a private law firm, which launched a probe. Campus police are investigating, and Philbert was placed on administrative leave Tuesday, Schlissel announced. read more »

27 Weinstein accusers ‘stand in solidarity’ as rape trial kicks off

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Dozens of Harvey Weinstein accusers — including actresses Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan — on Wednesday slammed the movie mogul for committing “monstrous crimes” and praised the “courageous” women who plan to testify against him.

As opening arguments in the disgraced filmmaker’s Manhattan sex abuse trial got underway, a total of 27 women released the joint statement saying it’s time for Weinstein to face the music. read more »