The #MeToo movement, also known as the "silence breakers" has been named TIME magazine's 2017 Person of the Year. The announcement was made Wednesday morning by TIME's editor-in-chief.
The movement is defined by the people who broke their silence on sexual assault and sexual harassment. Their influence in 2017 is the reason TIME magazine chose them as TIME's Person of the Year.
Actress Ashley Judd and pop star Taylor Swift are among the five women featured on the cover of the special double issue. Read more.
"This reckoning appears to have sprung up overnight. But it has actually been simmering for years, decades, centuries," Time's story said.
"These silence breakers have started a revolution of refusal, gathering strength by the day, and in the past two months alone, their collective anger has spurred immediate and shocking results: nearly every day, CEOs have been fired, moguls toppled, icons disgraced. In some cases, criminal charges have been brought."
The runner up for Person of the Year was President Donald Trump, followed by President of China, Xi Jinping in third place.
President Trump tweeted in November that he was "probably" going to be given the title of 2017's "Person of the Year," adding that he would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. He said he "took a pass" because "probably is no good."
Time Magazine called to say that I was PROBABLY going to be named “Man (Person) of the Year,” like last year, but I would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. I said probably is no good and took a pass. Thanks anyway!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2017
Time called that account false.
The shortlist of candidates for TIME's Person of the Year was revealed on the Today Show on Monday.
Among the 10 nominees, two were groups and not people. The #MeToo movement and the Dreamers were nominated for the 2017 Person of the Year title. President Trump, who was named Person of the Year in 2016, was nominated again after his first year as Commander in Chief. The magazine also nominated North Korean leader Kim Jonh Un.
The 10 finalists were:
Jeff Bezos - The Amazon CEO is the world's newest $100 billion mogul.
The Dreamers - A group of undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. by their parents when they were children.
Patty Jenkins - Director of Wonder Woman, first woman to direct a movie that made more than $100 million in its opening weekend
Kim Jong Un - The North Korean leader has dominated headlines with his threats of nuclear war.
Colin Kaepernick - San Francisco 49ers quarterback, launched national protest during the national anthem.
The #MeToo movement - People have shared their stories of sexual harassment and assault after the allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein and other males in Hollywood.
Robert Mueller - Appointed special counsel following FBI Director James Comey's firing to investigate possible collusion between President Trump's 2016 campaign team and Russia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - 32-year-old crown prince, son of King Salman
President Donald Trump - Named 2016 Person of the Year and nominated again in 2017 after his first year as Commander in Chief.
Xi Jinping - The President of China was confirmed in his second five-year term.
