While I generally don't put too much stock in the views of celebrity athletes, Serena Williams' statements regarding the Steubenville rape, as reported by Rolling Stone have resonated with me.
For those late to the table, this is what she said:
"Do you think it was fair, what they got? They did something stupid, but I don't know. I'm not blaming the girl, but if you're a 16-year-old and you're drunk like that, your parents should teach you: Don't take drinks from other people. She's 16, why was she that drunk where she doesn't remember? It could have been much worse. She's lucky. Obviously, I don't know, maybe she wasn't a virgin, but she shouldn't have put herself in that position, unless they slipped her something, then that's different.
The portion in
bold has been the focus, but there's so much more. For now, let's focus on the part I put in
bold. and then compare it to Ms. Williams' 'apology' after the squiggle.
In the wake of her controversial statements, Ms. Williams offered this 'apology':
"What happened in Steubenville was a real shock for me. I was deeply saddened. For someone to be raped, and at only sixteen, is such a horrible tragedy! For both families involved – that of the rape victim and of the accused. I am currently reaching out to the girl’s family to let her know that I am deeply sorry for what was written in the Rolling Stone article. What was written – what I supposedly said – is insensitive and hurtful, and I by no means would say or insinuate that she was at all to blame.
Did you catch that?
I am deeply sorry for what was written in the Rolling Stone article. What was written – what I supposedly said
She's sorry for 'what
was written' and what she
'supposedly said'. Way to take 'personal responsibility', Serena. If you said it, own it. If you
didn't say it, get your lawyers on the case! Unless you do, your credibility here is worth nothing.
Perhaps you shouldn't have put yourself in this situation.
That said, clearly the real victim here is Serena Williams.
While the focus of this has been on the "she shouldn't have put herself in that situation" quote, the words preceding that really make me say "WTF?":
Obviously, I don't know, maybe she wasn't a virgin
Seriously?!! What does that even
mean? Not to mention this gem:
Do you think it was fair, what they got? They did something stupid
No, they didn't 'do something stupid',,,, the committed a crime.