Moving story behind this powerful photo of Biden and a sexual assault survivor at the Oscars [View all]

[kpete]

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Karasek’s thoughts played out during the quiet moment before the screen lifted and she walked into the light. Before she stepped onto the platform to take her spot alongside Lady Gaga’s white piano. Before all the celebrities in the audience were roused to their feet. Before Best Actress winner Brie Larson hugged her and the other survivors as they walked off the stage.

And then, when all was quiet again, Karasek shared those private thoughts with Vice President Biden, who had been waiting backstage to meet them after introducing Lady Gaga’s performance.

Karesek, 22, told the vice president that before she went on stage she had been thinking about all the women and men who weren’t there because they’d taken their own lives after being sexually assaulted. Karasek began to cry, her eyes fixed on the floor, as she told him she hoped the performance would make others feel less alone, that it would save even just one life.

That’s when Biden stooped down, clasped her hands and rested his forehead on hers. He told her that was why her bravery that night had been so important.





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