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‘Celebrity Big Brother’: Ann Widdecombe And Amanda Barrie Face Victim-Blaming Backlash Over Harvey Weinstein Comments
Ann Widdecombe and Amanda Barrie had only been in the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ for a few hours when they faced their first backlash over comments made about sexual assault allegations levelled at Harvey Weinstein.
Viewers have accused the pair of victim blaming after claiming the Hollywood producer’s alleged victims had a “choice” in the situations they found themselves in.
During a conversation on Wednesday (3 January) night’s show, ex-‘Coronation Street’ star Amanda argued: “When it comes to the Harvey Weinstein bit, I think someone should have said, it’s not really worth it, darling. I’d rather not get the part.”
Rachel Johnson then pointed out that many actresses were – in Amanda’s words – “stupid enough”, to which Ann responded: “That’s on them. That was down to them. They had a choice.”
Model Jess Impiazzi was quick to defend the victims, telling her housemates: “I would be terrified if I was in an audition and a man came at me,” Jess argued. “I would be awfully terrified… If a big man came at me, I’d be terrified.”
“Oh no, darling,” Amanda interrupted.
Malika Haqq went on to say: “It’s not always the big bad cop. “Sometimes I saw people subjecting themselves, in situations and scenarios where you don’t see it coming.
“All of a sudden you end up doing something you really, truly wouldn’t want to end up doing. But you’re doing it, and you realise, I have a choice in that very moment.”
Ann and Amanda’s comments proved controversial, with many on social media condemning their views:
It’s amazing how uneducated people are about sexual assault, with Ann Widecombe, an MP who has political influence, claiming that Weinstein victims should ‘just say no’. Victim blaming at its finest #CelebrityBigBrother#CBB#CBBUK
— Charlotte Baker (@Charlanne97) January 3, 2018
Shame on Ann and the others for the Weinstein comments #cbb
— Rebecca (@rebex91) January 3, 2018
How anyone could ever like Ann widdecombe or find her endearing is beyond me, she literally just said the victims of the Harvey Weinstein cases should’ve said no and were stupid enough to sleep with him for a part in the first place
— Emzo (@ByrneEmilybyrne) January 3, 2018
I wonder if those in the house realise the women probably did say no, which is why it’s called sexual assault and rape. As soon as you say NO that’s what it is. Very disappointed in the highly ignorant opinion of the older ladies, surely they should have more respect #CBBt.co/xkZWi3Cd9e
— Lauraaaa (@Lauras95) January 3, 2018
Has Ann Widdecombe really just insinuated that the women assaulted by Harvey Weinstein chose to experience said assault? #CelebrityBigBrother
— Steph Foy (@StephFoy29) January 3, 2018
Did this Ann one on #CBBUK just say that Harvey Weinstein victims…..had a choice. I’m so disgusted
— emily (@123EmilyDempsey) January 3, 2018
PARRRRRRDON????? Ann & Amanda have just blown my mind…. I feel an Aisleyne rant coming on ? #cbb
— AISLEYNE (@Aisleyne1) January 3, 2018
So this season of #CBB is supposed to celebrate women… And they’ve brought in a miserable old ghost who has blamed every single Weinstein victim for ‘not saying no’!! pic.twitter.com/OGVa5fHryf
— Dean Brown (@DeanoBrown2010) January 3, 2018
Amanda and Ann’s comments on Harvey Weinstein’s VICTIMS were an absolute disgrace! He is accused of sexually assaulting & raping women. Ann said they had a choice?! She should be ejected from the house immediately, given Biggin’s was put out for less #cbb#Victimshaming#metoo
— M (@MaliHart1) January 3, 2018
I literally can’t believe Anne has just said the victims of #Weinstein “had a choice” ie sleep with him or give up on their career and it was therefore “down to them” and did she just call them stupid? Can she be kicked out please? Wrong on every level. #cbb#CelebrityBigBrother
— Louisa Gregson (@LouisaGregson) January 3, 2018
Thank goodness that the younger housemates are providing a voice of reason in this discussion. #cbb Love what Jess and Malika said re Weinstein
— Hannah Tapsell (@hannahtapsell) January 3, 2018
Well my love for Amanda is completely gone after her Weinstein comments #CBB
— allan (@ayoprayer) January 3, 2018
A number of women have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, abuse, and – in three cases – rape.
When the first reports emerged in early October, he apologised for inappropriate behaviour an enrolled in an outpatient rehab programme, but has “vehemently denied” all accusations of rape.
‘Celebrity Big Brother’ continues on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.
Useful helplines and websites:
- Victim Support – Visit victimsupport.org.uk or call 0808 168 9111 Sexual Abuse Referral Centres – Find a SARC
- Rape Crisis – Visit rapecrisis.org.uk or call 0808 802 9999 The Rape and Abuse Line – Visit rapeandabuseline.co.uk or call 0808 800 0123 (answered by women) or 0808 800 0122 (answered by men).
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