by Cape Cod Chronicle Readers
April 30, 2026
Serious Allegations Ignored
Editor:
1985: “These former members have detailed cases of slapping, kicking, restraining . . .” – The Cape Codder;
1993: “They slapped him . . . harder, harder.” – WCVB Chronicle;
2008: “Stories ranged from slapping, kicking, restraining . . .” – Cape Cod Voice;
2020: “I was hit. I was told it was discipline.” – WCVB I-Team;
2024: “Members have had water thrown in their faces, been slapped, or endured other physical abuse.” – Ortolani lawsuit.
Four decades. Same allegations. No recent deep investigations. And yet, a full-page paid advertisement is printed. And the response is an article focusing on an alleged online comment.
Let’s be clear: threats should always be taken seriously. But why does a paid advertisement receive immediate attention
. . . while decades of documented allegations remain unresolved?
Why is a paid narrative given space while survivor accounts are still treated as “claims” and generally ignored? Why isn’t the same level of scrutiny being applied across the board?
This isn’t about one article. It’s about what gets prioritized. What gets validated, and what continues to be minimized.
At what point do we stop looking away from what makes us uncomfortable?
Shawn DeLude
Orleans
Bonnie Zampino
Harpers Ferry, W.V.
The writers are organizers behind the Orleans-based nonprofit Rock Harbor Truth, which works to provide resources and assistance to survivors of spiritual abuse and exploitation.
https://capecodchronicle.com/articles/4421/view/letters-to-the-editor-april-30-2026
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