U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Marisa Woytek is one of more than two dozen women whose privacy has been brutally invaded by a Facebook group called Marines United that has shared photos of female enlistees to its more than 30,000 members. The photos show female U.S. marines in their private lives in addition to sharing personal information.
What Happened?
The Facebook group Marines United was uncovered by The War Horse, a nonprofit news organization run by Marine veteran Thomas Brennan. The War Horse’s investigation revealed a Facebook group with more than 30,000 followers sharing private photos of U.S. female marines with sexually aggressive comments and information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=110&v=YMkZY59SE14
According to Reveal, the sharing of photos began in January 2017 with photos and personal information being exchanged across the group. While speaking with the Washington Post, Woytek opened up about the experience.
“Even if I could, I’m never reenlisting. Being sexually harassed online ruined the Marine Corps for me, and the experience.” Woytek is happy that other victims “have a voice now” thanks to reporting from Reveal and War Horse.
According to the Washington Post, the former Marine and defense contractor who originally posted the link has since been fired.
One photo specifically referenced in the report from Reveal featured a female marine bending over to pick up her gear. A commenter wrote, “take her out back and pound her out.” Another commenter replied with, “And butthole. And throat. And ears. Both of them. Video it though…for science.”
The Marine Corps is now investigating and released the following statement: “The Marine Corps is deeply concerned about allegations regarding the deorgatory online comments and sharing of salacious photographs in a closed website. This behavior destroys morale, erodes trust, and degrades the individual. The Marine Corps does not condone this sort of behavior, which undermines our core values.”
Wyotek believes other victims have not spoken out yet due to fear of retaliation.
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Who Is Marisa Woytek?
Marisa Woytek is a U.S. Marine Lance Corporal. She married fellow Marine Zachary Woytek in Fulshear, Texas, back in October 2016, according to the Tri-City Tribune. The announcement said they had both just returned from serving in Iraq at the time. Woytek was on board the USS Boxer while her husband was on the USS New Orleans.
However, according to the couple’s The Knot page, their wedding date is said to be June 2017 and taking place in Costa Mesa, California.
“The couple is making their home in Vista, California and have one and a half years left of active duty. After their enlistments are over they plan to return to College Station, Texas and attend Texas A&M University.”
As seen on her page, Woytek lives in Oceanside, California. She jokes in her about section, “I’m just here for the free beer.” According to his Facebook page, Zachary Woytek works in Marine recruitment and is from Columbus, Texas.
Twitter Reaction
Woytek’s comments have drawn praise from social media users.
https://twitter.com/lenlundh/status/838592309755162624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/fawkesea/status/838624466624200705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/narp89/status/838623202959994880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/RosiePalfy/status/838622904849948672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/_hisperfectgf/status/838616154469990401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/NDKOTA/status/838615788021923841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/HotAsPuck/status/838609765873946624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
