War Machine’s Reps Claim Christy Mack’s Sex Work Means She Can’t Be Raped

Warning, before you even begin to read this, maybe find something to squeeze or throw. Anything to help quell the boiling hot rage that you’re about to endure.

Also, we should preface this with several billion trigger warnings for domestic violence and sexual assault of the highest and most obscene order.
Jonathan Koppenhaver – perhaps better known by his self-appointed moniker “War Machine” – is currently in the middle of criminal hearings relating to that one night where he allegedly beat his former partner Christy Mack nearly to death.
The incident came into the public light after Mack posted a graphic, detailed, and very visceral account of her ordeal and injuries online in August of 2014.
Following a manhunt – in which Koppenhaver continually evaded authorities, and posted numerous online claims of no wrongdoing – the former UFC and Bellator competitor was captured by authorities in California.
With the case now being heard by a court of law, his defence is mounting its campaign.
And it is not pretty.
Koppenhaver is facing a laundry list of charges, including – but not limited to – attempted murder and sexual assault. And it’s that sexual assault charge that’s drawn the most head-deskingly frustrating defence.
Lawyers for Koppenhaver have actually made the argument that, owing to the fact that Christy Mack has worked as in pornography, that that – in and of itself – is implied consent to just about anything. In essence, her work in porn makes it impossible for her to have been raped by Koppenhaver.
The direct quote from proceedings:

“[Mack had the] desire, the preference, the acceptability towards a particular form of sex activities that were outside of the norm.”


“The jury needs to know the nature of this relationship, and what was customary and consensual.”


Nevermind the fact that this woefully disgusting, even by the lowest of scumbag standards – the US has laws specifically designed to prevent victim’s previous sexual encounters and proclivities from being admissible as evidence in a trial. They’re called Rape Shield Laws, and they are very fucking important to establish fair trials.

Fortunately, prosecution officials – and the presiding Judge – appeared just as flabbergasted at the insinuation as any rational human should be.
Nevada Chief Deputy District Attorney Jacqueline Bluth made no efforts to hide her exasperation.

“Because she consented to those acts through her course of employment does not mean the defendant is then entitled to think he can do that to her. You can’t make that leap.”


Meanwhile District Judge Elissa Cadish did ask defence attorneys for a written motion detailing Koppenhaver and Mack’s sexual history, she did make her skepticism on the line of defence abundantly clear.


“I don’t see how any of those activities that she did in adult movies would ever show her consent to the acts with the defendant that he’s charged with. I’m not seeing that connection.”


Just in case you were wondering if his time behind bars has allowed Koppenhaver time to reflect on his behaviour and begin to process of reforming and rehabilitating, proceedings in court were briefly interrupted when he blew a kiss in the direction of prosecutor Bluth.

“Judge, for the record, Mr. Koppenhaver just blew a kiss at me. I’m not going to make up that he blew a kiss at me, which I find offensive.”

Judge Cadish admonished Koppenhaver, stating he was not to make any gestures towards opposing counsel.

Koppenhaver’s response? A wry smile. And a “yes ma’am.
The bin’s too good for you, m8.
Today is White Ribbon Day in Australia. To take the pledge, or learn more about violence against women, head to www.whiteribbon.org.au.
For 24/7 counselling and support, go to www.1800respect.org.au, or call 1800 737 732.

Photo: Handout via Getty Images.


More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV