Ask A Rapist Thread Reddit May 2026

Despite its toxicity, the thread provided a rare, unvarnished look at how perpetrators think without the filter of a legal or therapeutic setting. In 2015, researchers from Georgia State University published a study titled “I’m Not a Rapist, but…” which analyzed the thread's comments.

The thread began in July 2012 with a simple but provocative prompt: "Reddit’s had a few threads about sexual assault victims, but are there any redditors from the other side of the story? What were your motivations? Do you regret it?". Ask A Rapist Thread Reddit

The thread’s legacy is defined by its chilling content, the backlash it triggered, and the academic research it eventually inspired. The Origin of the "Ask A Rapist" Thread Despite its toxicity, the thread provided a rare,

Some justified their actions by claiming a lack of control over their hormones, with one infamous commenter stating, "an erect dick has no conscience". What were your motivations

Perpetrators often relied on societal myths, such as the belief that "no" actually means "yes" if the person doesn't physically fight back.

The thread became a repository for what advocates call "rape culture" in its most literal form. Researchers who later studied the thread identified several recurring narrative patterns used by perpetrators:

Within 24 hours, the post amassed thousands of comments. While some users expressed horror, many others began sharing firsthand accounts of perpetrating sexual violence, often using clinical or casual language to describe their crimes. Key Themes and Content