#WomenBoycottTwitter Movement Starts On Twitter In Reaction To Rose McGowan Account Suspension

Several Hollywood actors and activists have called for a boycott of Twitter on Friday, after the social media platform temporarily suspended actress Rose McGowan on Thursday for violating its terms and policies.

McGowan has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape after the New York Times and the New Yorker ran reports detailing years of sexual abuse of many women by the movie producer.

She has been a vocal presence in the Weinstein scandal ever since the story broke last week, and has been using Twitter to express support for all the women who have spoken out and castigating those she felt were complicit in keeping the sordid affair under wraps, including the Weinstein Company board of directors and actors such as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

#WomenBoycottTwitter started at midnight in New York and was to last the duration of Oct. 13. The hastag started trending ever since McGowan announced Wednesday her 12-hour suspension in an Instagram post.

Twitter said in a statement that McGowan’s account was locked because it included a private phone number in one of her tweets, which violated the company’s terms of service.

“The tweet was removed and her account has been unlocked,” a spokeswoman said in a statement on Thursday.

“Twitter is proud to empower and support the voices on our platform, especially those that speak truth to power. We stand with the brave women and men who use Twitter to share their stories, and will work hard every day to improve our processes to protect those voices."

However, even after the clarifications, Twitter prompted outrage and faced heat for suspending McGowan's account. The site has faced criticism in the past as well for its inability to tackle abuse, especially against women.

In support of that and McGowan, #WomenBoycottTwitter was started and garnered many supporters.

A Twitter user by the name Per Johnson wrote, “More than happy to join. Putting down @Twitter to honor the women silenced and protest the double standards they perpetuate. #WomenBoycottTwitter"

Heidi N Moore‏, an editor and strategist, tweeted, “Come on ladies let’s get in formation. Friday, October 13th seems a good boycott day. Cc @OhNoSheTwitnt @JessicaValenti @feministabulous.”

Another user named Kae wrote, "It'll be a challenge for me to stay off all day, but I am joining #WomenBoycottTwitter. See ya Saturday, pals!”

Apart from fans and female advocates of justice, there were a lot of high-profile celebrities who decided to join the movement. Some of these celebrities include Chrissy Teigen, Anna Paquin, John Cusack, and Alyssa Milano.

Mark Ruffalo also tweeted extending his support, “Tomorrow I follow the Women. #WomenBoycottTwitter”

These celebrities have pledged to join in solidarity not only with McGowan but with anyone who has experienced harassment online.

McGowan, whose Twitter account was unlocked after the brief suspension, is also expected to remain silent for 24 hours as a form of protest.