Chrissie Hynde’s Rape Statement Brings Singer Under Fire
Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde’s rape statement has drawn fire from social media. The iconic rocker had claimed that not only was she to blame for her own rape decades ago, but women are often to blame when it happens to them.
In this time where the rise of feminism is more prevalent than ever, statements like that of Chrissie’s are sure to draw plenty of attention. While Harry Potter alum Emma Watson and comedienne Amy Schumer are attempting to fight for women’s rights in their own positive ways, Hynde could be the proverbial devil’s advocate.
Chrissie Hynde slammed for saying some rape victims ‘have to take responsibility’ http://t.co/s6PtN72wqX via @Fox411 pic.twitter.com/crnVd3dcGH
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 1, 2015
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Chrissie claimed full responsibility for her own rape 42 years ago. She had been a 21-year-old student at Kent State University in Ohio at the time, and allegedly wearing the wrong clothes for the occasion.
“You know if you don’t want to entice a rapist, don’t wear high heels so you can’t run from him. If you’re wearing something that says ‘Come and f*** me’, you’d better be good on your feet. Technically speaking, however you want to look at it, this was all my doing and I take full responsibility. You can’t f*** about with people, especially people who wear ‘I Heart Rape’ and ‘On Your Knees’ badges.”
Chrissie Hynde said that rape is just something men do, especially in biker gangs.
“Those motorcycle gangs, that’s what they do. You can’t paint yourself into a corner and then say whose brush is this? You have to take responsibility.
If I’m walking around and I’m very modestly dressed and I’m keeping to myself and someone attacks me, then I’d say that’s his fault. But if I’m being very lairy and putting it about and being provocative, then you are enticing someone who’s already unhinged – don’t do that.”
Despite the words of Chrissie Hynde, rape is one of the worst crimes a woman can endure. A spokeswoman for the sexual assault prevention group, RAINN, explained in the New York Daily News how wrong Chrissie’s words are.
“This feeling of self-blame, described by Chrissie Hynde, can often prevent survivors from coming forward and getting the support that they deserve. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a sexual assault, a victim is never to blame. The responsibility always lies solely with the perpetrator, no matter what.”
Chrissie Hynde’s rape statement could lose her a lot of fans after having been a symbol of female power in the 70s. According to USA Today, she was the first woman to front a rock band, and shared the stage with Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols.
Now, Chrissie Hynde words could become a step backwards in an era of female empowerment.
[Image via Terry Wyatt / Getty Images]
