Yoko Ono has been a constant presence in the music world, primarily due to her relationship with John Lennon. However, her contributions as an artist and activist have often been overshadowed by the controversies surrounding her personal life.
Additionally, a new documentary, ‘One to One: John & Yoko’ sheds light on the harsh realities she faced during her time with Lennon. The information reveals the extent of the misogyny and misconceptions she endured.
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Yoko Ono Became The Scapegoat Of The Beatles’ Breakup
Ono’s involvement with Lennon was often blamed for the breakup of the Beatles, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked. In the documentary, she expresses her disappointment with her former bandmates, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
“Have you heard of any comment about me in the press by the Beatles? They ignored me,” she said. “That’s male chauvinism.” Ono did not hold back and claimed that they failed to publicly defend her or clarify her role in the group’s dissolution.
She claimed that she was always speaking highly of them. However, they never spoke up to shut down the constant harassment she was facing. In this case, Ono became the scapegoat for the Beatles‘ breakup, despite having no significant influence on their decision to disband.
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Yoko Ono Also Opened Up About Experiencing Hate While Pregnant
One to One: John & Yoko, Ono also reflected on her pain of being vilified as the woman who “broke up the Beatles.” “I consider myself a very eloquent woman, and also an attractive woman. And suddenly, because I was associated with John, I was considered an ugly woman, ugly Jap, who took your monument away from you,” she stated.
Moreover, she opened up about being bombarded with hate messages even when she was pregnant. She recalled receiving a letter that read “I wish you and your baby would die.” She also received a rubber doll that had been poked with needles.
Additionally, despite the hardships she faced, Ono remained a strong advocate for women’s rights. In a moving speech at the First International Feminist Conference in 1973, she detailed the abuse she endured at the hands of society and the lasting impact it had on her self-confidence.
“Society suddenly treated me as a woman who belonged to a man who is one of the most powerful people in our generation,” she added. Yoko Ono’s legacy has been complex and often misunderstood. While she is often remembered for her relationship with John Lennon, her contributions as an artist and activist are equally significant.
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