Controversial Pro-Rape Rally Called Off When Female Boxers Pledge to Attend
A planned meetup linked to a notorious online figure and pro-rape ideology was canceled after a women’s boxing club publicly said it would intervene. The gathering, promoted by Return of Kings founder Daryush “Roosh V.” Valizadeh, had drawn backlash for its association with rhetoric advocating harm against women.
The possibility of an organized response raised conflict and tension around the event. Members of the Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club announced they would attend the meetup scheduled for February 6 in Toronto, saying their presence would counter the narrative and potentially expose organizers to their own photos.
According to The Cut, the Newsgirls’ plan was to show up in boxing gloves so that any photos taken would depict strong, empowered women rather than passive protesters.
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That announcement appears to have pressured Roosh into canceling the meetup. In his statement, he said he could “no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend,” essentially citing the anticipated presence of the boxing club as a reason.
“The photos of us will show women that being powerful is an option,” club founder Savoy Howe told media, highlighting the symbolic pushback against the event.
The cancellation matters because it showed how community resistance to events tied to extremist or harmful ideologies can disrupt plans and force organizers to reconsider. It raised questions about how far online figures with controversial views can extend influence into real-world meetings.
Next, local advocates and commentators are likely to assess how similar groups might prevent harmful gatherings and continue advocating for safer public spaces.
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