Don Lemon Apologizes For Bill Cosby Rape Comments

CNN anchor Don Lemon has apologized for what critics are calling insensitive remarks made while conducting an interview with Joan Tarshis. Tarshis has alleged that comedian Bill Cosby raped her on two separate occasions in 1969. Her accusation was one of the first, and ignited a firestorm of other women coming forward, alleging abuse against Cosby. Most recently, model Janice Dickinson has accused Cosby of sexually assaulting her as well. Rumors circulated that actress Raven Symone was also one of Cosby’s victims but she has steadfastly denied this.

As seen in the video below, Tarshis describes the abuse she suffered, including being orally raped. When she was finished, Lemon commented that there were ways to avoid being orally raped—by biting down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bad6qt4usrI

It was an uncomfortable moment, and social media provided an immediate backlash.

.@donlemon When you feel yourself about to say something really stupid, why don’t you just stop it by biting down really hard on your tongue

— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 19, 2014

.@donlemon I’d like to cancel my membership for your women’s self defense class

— Eireann Dolan (@EireannDolan) November 19, 2014

When life gives you Don Lemon, make lemon mace.

— Quinn Sutherland (@ReelQuinn) November 19, 2014