ATLANTA — Outrage is still simmering for a third day, after an alleged sexual assault was apparently streamed live on Facebook from an Atlanta nightclub.
It was over the weekend when Atlanta Police first got reports of a victim allegedly being assaulted at Opera Nightclub in Midtown. Video of the assault was apparently streamed from the victim’s Facebook account – a disturbing clip that had been shared hundreds of times before it was taken down.
Atlanta Police confirmed they opened an investigation into the incident, saying that they have been in contact with the victim. In an update Tuesday, the department said they had also been in touch with the man believed to be seen in the video, though they are not calling him a suspect in their investigation. There has been no arrest made, at this point.
RELATED: Man claiming to be involved in alleged nightclub sexual assault video says it didn't happen
11Alive’s Ashley Johnson was outside the nightclub Tuesday as protesters from feminist organization Girl Gang gathered to demand answers as to why.
“She needs to know the women of Atlanta support her we have her back 100 percent,” said Sabrina Peterson. “We’re out here because obviously he’s not arrested that’s number one.”
But what’s more, Peterson added, is the disturbing fact that other people filmed what happened. She said more should have been done to protect the victim.
“If you can hold cameras, there should be some sort of law in place, because all these violent attacks are happening, and all these young people are videotaping instead of helping the people being attacked,” she explained. “I think there needs to be two levels of social responsibility in place.”
Since the weekend, news of the alleged incident and the situation has criss-crossed the country on social media lightning fast – sometimes spreading misinformation, including a false report that a suspect had been arrested. Separate videos and still photos have also been shared in hopes of identifying the man to lead to an arrest.
But the fallout has been further reaching - it led to some musical acts - including Zedd - to cancel their upcoming appearances at the nightclub.
Opera issued a statement saying they were cooperating with the investigation. and "will continue to aid and support their investigation in any way we can," they said.
APD says the alleged victim is no longer in the state, but they are staying in contact with her. Meanwhile, the man claiming to be the one seen in the video said the incident did not happen as was portrayed on the internet. APD has been clear they are not releasing the man’s name. They say they have been in contact with him as well.