Donna Karan implied that the women accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment (and as of Tuesday, rape) may have been "asking for it" based on the way they present themselves, and Twitter is in disbelief.
"Donna Karan just single handedly ruined her career and any chance of being respected as a champion of women's causes ever again. Wow," one person tweeted.
Rose McGowan, one of the many women who was sexually harassed by Weinstein, tweeted, "Donna Karan you are a DEPLORABLE Aiding and abetting is a moral crime. You are scum in a fancy dress."
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View StoryThe fashion designer commented on the Weinstein situation while walking the red carpet at the Cinemoi Fashion Film Awards in Hollywood on Sunday.
"I think we have to look at ourselves. Obviously, the treatment of women all over the world is something that has always had to be identified. Certainly in the country of Haiti where I work, in Africa, in the developing world, it's been a hard time for women," she told The Daily Mail. "To see it here in our own country is very difficult, but I also think how do we display ourselves? How do we present ourselves as women? What are we asking? Are we asking for it by presenting all the sensuality and all the sexuality?"
The 69-year-old designer has since apologized and released a statement taking a different stance on the issue.
"Last night, I was honored at the Cinemoi Fashion Film Awards in Hollywood and while answering a question on the red carpet I made a statement that unfortunately is not representative of how I feel or what I believe," Karan said. "I have spent my life championing women. My life has been dedicated to dressing and addressing the needs of women, empowering them and promoting equal rights. My statements were taken out of context and do not represent how I feel about the current situation concerning Harvey Weinstein."
"I believe that sexual harassment is NOT acceptable and this is an issue that MUST be addressed once and for all regardless of the individual," she added. "I am truly sorry to anyone that I offended and everyone that has ever been a victim."
Take a look at a sample of all the people offended below.
Donna Karan you are a DEPLORABLE Aiding and abetting is a moral crime. You are scum in a fancy dress pic.twitter.com/Vze7lnpdvj
@rosemcgowan
Thanks, Donna Karan, for the life lesson: dress like a woman and you can be sexually harassed by a pig. #stoptalking #findbetterfriends
@KatiePhang
Donna Karan just single handedly ruined her career and any chance of being respected as a champion of women's causes ever again. Wow.
@sarahwynter
This Donna Karan fucking unforgivable female betrayal shit is truly terrible news for my comfiest jersey half-robe.
@bessbell
The interview with Donna Karan is horrific. Batshit crazy. She talks about how women dress?Are her bare shoulders asking for trouble? Wtf???
@H_Combs
Just a reminder that women aren't "asking for it" ever! Pathetic excuse for sexual assault, doesn't matter what we're wearing #DonnaKaran
@andreaboehlke
I wish Donna Karan would stop hurting women and stick to designing clothes for size 0 models with eating disorders
@MattOswaltVA
I mean, Donna Karan, you're not wrong. These shorts do kind of say "masturbate into a plant in front of me". pic.twitter.com/A9LtideRau
@PhilanthropyGal
So many people considering throwing out their Donna Karan clothes right now. I really hope Old Navy never says something stupid.
@Caissie
Donna Karan getting dragged on Twitter. But she may have been asking for it...
@JoshMalina
Of course Donna Karan blames Weinstein's victims. She worked in Haiti w the Clintons & SAID she loves their pizza! 🍕 pic.twitter.com/Ihux9XC4k1
@LizCrokin
Just no Donna Karan. @BarbraStreisand give your girlfriend a call! This is not ok. https://t.co/DFBjgagaeT
@melsil
No more Donna Karan for me https://t.co/QsflmGq7hz
@MiaFarrow