Ask A Rapist Thread Reddit Jun 2026

An archived Reddit thread from 2013 titled "Ask A Rapist" remains one of the most jarring, frequently discussed, and controversial examples of internet crowdsourcing. The thread, posted to the /r/AskReddit community, asked convicted rapists to explain their actions and motivations.

The "Ask a Rapist" thread on Reddit has sparked intense debate and discussion since its creation. The thread, where individuals who have committed rape or identify as rapists share their perspectives and answer questions from users, raises important questions about the nature of sexual violence, accountability, and the role of online communities in addressing these issues.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available. You can contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE or visit their website.

While Reddit’s moderation team is swift to remove overtly violent content in 2024, archived versions of these threads (via sites like removeddit or reveddit) reveal a disturbing pattern. The hypothetical thread usually begins with a provocative prompt on a subreddit known for "No Stupid Questions" or "AMA" (Ask Me Anything) formats:

Victims were frequently described as sexual objects rather than human beings, a tactic used to distance the perpetrator from the emotional weight of the crime. The Fallout and Public Outcry Ask A Rapist Thread Reddit

If you encounter a thread titled "Ask a Rapist," do not ask. Do not upvote. Do not share. Report it, close the tab, and if you are a survivor, reach out to someone who believes you. The conversation about preventing sexual violence belongs to experts, advocates, and survivors—not to the predators themselves.

However, a minority argued for its value. They posited that if society truly wants to understand and prevent rape, it must be willing to listen to the voices of perpetrators, no matter how repugnant their views may be. This perspective set the stage for the next, perhaps most unexpected, chapter in the story of the thread.

The researchers narrowed the down to 68 first-hand accounts from the first two days of the thread, specifically choosing those they felt were "less biased by media-generated interest." They analyzed these stories not to measure trauma, but to understand the "interpretive lens perpetrators use to justify their actions."

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the thread, its immediate aftermath, and how it permanently altered the landscape of the digital world. The Origins of the Thread An archived Reddit thread from 2013 titled "Ask

Many comments demonstrated a profound misunderstanding or a deliberate ignorance of the concept of consent [2].

The impetus behind these threads usually stems from a societal desire for understanding. When a horrific crime occurs, the immediate, human question is "Why?"

As pressure mounted from both users and advertisers, the moderators of r/AskReddit initially attempted to manage the thread by deleting comments that explicitly cheered on sexual violence. However, the volume of traffic and the severity of the content proved unmanageable.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the thread, its implications, and the lasting discussion it generated. 1. Context: The Origin of the "Ask A Rapist" Thread The thread, where individuals who have committed rape

The thread's creator claimed it was an attempt to understand the mindset and behaviors of rapists, with the goal of preventing future instances of rape. However, many critics argued that the thread was misguided, potentially harmful, and disregarded the experiences of survivors.

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the thread, its immediate aftermath, and its lasting impact on digital culture. What Was the "Ask A Rapist" Thread?

: Blaming the victim's intoxication, clothing, or perceived flirting.