November 19, 2014

Behold, a golden example of victim shaming with such a graphic reference it's hard to imagine what Don Lemon was thinking during this interview. Here's the short version:

Here's the longer version via Media Matters:

LEMON: Can I ask you this, because -- and please, I don't mean to be crude, OK?

TARSHIS: Yeah.

LEMON: Because I know some of you -- and you said this last night, that he -- you lied to him and said "I have an infection, and if you rape me, or if you do -- if you have intercourse with me, then you will probably get it and give it to your wife."

TARSHIS: Right.

LEMON: And you said he made you perform oral sex.

TARSHIS: Right.

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: Right. 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: Biting. So, um --

TARSHIS: Ouch.

LEMON: Yes. I had to ask. I mean, it is, yeah.

TARSHIS: Yes. No, it didn't cross my mind.

Um, really? Wow, I miss Ted Turner. This would never have happened on his watch. Never.

Note: If you're just catching up to this story, Time has a decent listing of the events leading up to last night's interview. There is certainly enough smoke to indicate fire.

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