Women's Media Center demanding apology from O'Reilly

February 11, 2009 4:10 pm ET by Karl Frisch

The Women’s Media Center is demanding an apology from Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly for mocking veteran White House reporter/columnist Helen Thomas as "old lady" and comparing her to "the Wicked Witch of the East":

On last night's show (February 9th, 2009) O'Reilly compared Ms. Thomas to "the Wicked Witch of the East" along with disparaging remarks about her appearance and age. Guest Bernard Goldberg added his own insult, and even Alan Colmes, while attempting to defend her, seemed to be having too much fun. This kind of verbal degradation in the guise of humor is unacceptable, and as Media Matters has documented, it's part of an on-going pattern where he's targeted Thomas.

It was an attack no woman deserves--including this accomplished, award winning journalist working in the White House press corps, where women are underrepresented. The Women's Media Center demonstrated in its Sexism Sells But We're Not Buying It viral campaign that sexist remarks went unchecked by networks during the primary season. Now, as then, the WMC demands accountability.

An immediate public apology is required.

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- by MickD (February 11, 2009 5:20 pm ET)
  
  This could get interesting, if BO'R chooses to reply. He could dig himself in deeper if he continues to mock or calls out the WMC for dare questioning his judgment. My guess is that he will ignore it.
  
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- by watchful lady (February 11, 2009 8:55 pm ET)
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  I gotta tell ya, ladies, you were dead silent during the Sarah Palin fiasco. It's hard to regard you as serious about supporting women in the face of that history. It's harder to support an attacked woman when you disagree with her politics. You really dropped the ball. What a missed opportunity to validate your principals. I am personally ashamed of the embarrasing silence of all women's groups while Gov. Palin was abused by every media possible. Her politics shouldn't have anything to do with women's outrage at her treatment. Helen Thomas pales in comparison..
  
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- by MickD (February 11, 2009 10:54 pm ET)
  
  As I said above, it would get interesting if BO'R chooses to reply. He has, and it has. Physical threats from old men, perhaps a visit from the Fox police?
  
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- by tom-parmenter8025 (February 12, 2009 2:42 pm ET)
  
  You know, the Wicked Witch of the West is the famous one. Do you suppose that Wicked Witch of the East just might be a reference to Thomas's Lebanese ancestry? I recall at least one other similar instance, when someone cracked that some terrorist bomber was going to end up with "72 virgins looking like Helen Thomas".
  
  She really does annoy them, doesn't she?
  
  Reply Report Abuse

Women's Media Center demanding apology from O'Reilly

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