Whore/ Empress: A History of Slut-Shaming

Join writer and producer Daisy Goodwin as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Honor Cargill-Martin, author of Messalina, Rome’s Most Scandalous Empress, exploring the complex themes of female power, reputation, and sexuality.

Throughout history, from Catherine the Great to Maria Callas, women in positions of power have often been labeled as sexually deviant or driven by insatiable desires. In this discussion, Daisy and Honor will delve into the phenomenon of slut-shaming- a term with a modern name but ancient roots. They will examine how societal fears about ambitious women may have influenced the narratives about notorious women such as Messalina, comparing the myth to the actual sources to uncover a more realistic picture.