CNN anchor Don Lemon is catching backlash after he asked one of Bill Cosby’s alleged victims why she allowed herself to be forced into performing oral sex.
Speaking to the former music industry publicist and actress Joan Tarshis during a Tuesday segment, Lemon asked her why she didn’t fight back against the legendary comedian.
LEMON: You-you know, there are ways not to perform oral sex if you didn’t want to do it.
TARSHIS: Oh. Um, I was kind of stoned at the time, and quite honestly, that didn’t even enter my mind. Now, I wish it would have.
LEMON: Meaning the using of the teeth, right?
TARSHIS: Yes, that’s what I’m thinking you’re-
LEMON: As a weapon.
TARSHIS: Yeah, I didn’t even think of it.
Lemon’s statements were followed by a fierce reaction on social media, which triggered the trending hashtag “#DonLemonReporting.“
The CNN host continues to be criticized for his remarks.
“Let’s talk about what were you wearing the night you chose not to avoid being raped.” #DonLemonReporting
— Eric Haywood (@Eric_Haywood) November 19, 2014
It’s your own fault – #DonLemonReporting
— Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) November 19, 2014
9/11 would never have happened if those towers had just gotten out of the way of the planes. #DonLemonReporting
— Alex Halpern (@HalpernAlex) November 19, 2014
Why didn’t you distract @BillCosby with a refreshing Coke? #donlemonreporting
— Geoff Todd (@TheGeoffTodd) November 19, 2014
I understand people work at CNN, but why don’t they just quit and get a job where they can have a degree of dignity? #DonLemonReporting
— Mark Campbell (@MrWordsWorth) November 19, 2014
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