FAIL Quote of the Day: Victim shaming: good for celebrities, too

Erin Andrews and Elisabeth Hasselbeck (not sure which is which)

Anyone who knows me (or my writings) knows I’m just about the last guy on the planet who’ll give the slightest whiff of a crap about celebrity gossip and such twaddle. However, one of this famous airheads has said something so remarkably stupid that I feel it merits a spotlight mention as today’s FAIL Quote. From Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View, referring to Erin Andrews’ performance on Dancing With the Stars (video here) and her past issues in dealing with stalkers:

"In light of what happened and as a legal [matter]--and as inexcusable as it was for that horrific guy to go in and try to peep on her in her hotel room," Elisabeth said. "I mean, in some way if I'm him, I'm like, 'Man! I just could've waited 12 weeks and seen this--a little bit less--without the prison time!'"

So basically, what she’s saying is: “Watch as I claim not to excuse the stalker for what he did – and then say that he should’ve waited just a bit longer to be all the more justified in his stalking.” In other words, she’s blatantly excusing creeps for their uncontrolled lascivious behavior just because the woman wore a minimalistic dancing costume.

Andrews responded quite aptly:

After 'Dancing' Tuesday night, Erin told People that Elisabeth's comments were "a slap in the face to victims of stalking and sexual predators."

Spot on. What Hasselbeck said was no better than blaming rape victims because they were wearing revealing clothes. It’s just as damaging and ridiculous. As with the recent Lady Gaga blurb, celebrities have shown us time and time again that they really ought to keep their yaps shut much more often.