Oh wow! I totally felt the same discomfort you did. At the end of the day the cop sounded like an ass, a 'jobsworth' we call them in England, people who feel they have to stick to the letter of the law no matter what, and never display any autonomous thought.

However it does make me uncomfortable anytime anybody lies about sexual harrasment or racism. Because like you say, it trivialises it when it does happen.

Also it reinforces negative stereotypes about women using their sexuality in a negative way, or minorities playing the 'race card'.

It's a tough one, and you were at a friendly dinner party. Next time in a similar situation, say something along the lines of '...and how did that make you feel?'

Or, 'I would have felt really uncomfortable if somebody did that on my behalf, especially if they didn't consult me first.'

Chances are, she probably felt really uncomfortable about it as well, hence the nervous laughter. She was probably wondering if this was a thing that people did, that she wasn't aware of. Or if it was out of order.

I doubt if the cop lost his job, let's face it, cops can shoot people in cold blood and still pick up their pension. I hope he never found out, because then that is putting negative vibes in his head about women he may stop in the future.

One thing your story does do though, it reinforces stereotypes about lawyers! 🙄

Cg