Lisa Nilsson about her letters to the perpetrators: “It was healing”

Lisa Nilsson‘s Bold Move: Speaking Out After Metoo

By Johanna Eriksson / PHOTO: Rasmus BS Hansen

Date: 11.10.2024 / Reading time: 2 min

Ah, Lisa Nilsson—what a powerful name, right? It brings to mind images of soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and now, a courageous woman ready to lay bare her truths. In a world turned upside down by the Metoo movement, which bravely emerged in the fall of 2017, Nilsson reflects on her own experiences and reveals situations where men have treated her poorly. And can we just say it? If you’re a bloke who thinks it’s okay to “paw” at someone during physiotherapy, it might be time to rethink your career choices. Seriously, what a way to get a ‘hands-on’ approach to medicine!

In an interview for SVT’s My Truth, Nilsson recounts how, in the moment of such abuse, she was so paralyzed she couldn’t voice her contempt. It’s a gut-wrenching reality many women face. She walked away, pretending it was just another day in ‘Let’s Ignore It’ land, but later realized that, no, that was not how things should go. Let’s give credit where credit’s due—at least she didn’t end up like a character in a sitcom, where the punchline is as painful as the situation.

And here’s the kicker: after sending a message to one of the culprits, she received a response that was “uplifting.” The man apologized! Hurl the confetti, everyone! But really, it does highlight a greater truth—sometimes, people are genuinely reflective and, shocker, capable of change. Can I get an ‘Amen’ for accountability? But let’s not hold our breath for a Disney ending with everyone living happily ever after. She’s got another message in her drafts for a different man from her youth, but she’s hesitating to hit send. Why? Because disappointment is just too darn familiar, and honestly, who wants to risk that emotional rollercoaster?

My Truth airs Thursdays on SVT—just in case you need a new show to fill that gaping hole in your viewing schedule since you finished your last binge. And remember, folks, while Nilsson’s story is heavy, it’s also a beacon of hope. It gives us all a gentle push in the right direction about the importance of speaking up and confronting injustices, even if you’re not ready for a TED Talk on the topic yet.

READ ALSO: Lisa Nilsson Awarded This Year’s Fred Åkerström Scholarship