Whoopi Goldberg has a habit of defending people who shouldn't be defended. Back in 1993, Ted Danson - Goldberg's husband at the time - performed at a 'roast' at the Blackfriars club where he blackfaced, used the n-word multiple times and ate watermelon. Understandably, people who were at the show were less than impressed with the performance, with many labeling the show as racist. Despite this, Goldberg was quick to defend her husband and even claimed to have co-written the script as well as hiring the make-up artist used to do the
blackface. In a press conference at the time, the TV host said:
"We were not trying to be politically correct. We were trying to be funny for ourselves.
"Many people who come to the roast were unfamiliar with the Friars Club. I thought everyone knew the definition of a roast. You char that person. You talk about them, their mother, father, etc. Everything is fair game. Apparently, there were people who were uncomfortable with what to expect. Some of them have not been to a roast before."
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It seems like this nuance of sticking up for people perhaps against better judgement has stuck with Goldberg as just this week, she has criticised the woman who has accused comedian
Aziz Ansari of sexual harassment.
The accusations relate to an article that was published in Babe magazine which describes an incident that took place between a Brooklyn photographer and Ansari which, she alleges, almost turned into a "sexual assault" at his apartment. Since the allegations emerged online, Ansari has issued an apology in which he expressed his "surprise and concern" at the accusations.
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The woman, who decided to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, says that she believes that she "was taken advantage of by Aziz," who ignored her non-verbal discomfort with the situation. While the majority of the internet felt compassion for the lady, with many women saying that they have been in a similar position, Goldberg took a different stance on the matter.
Speaking on The View, she said:
“So, the question then, for me, becomes what is a non-verbal cue? It seems to be a bit of an issue. If you’re on a date and he’s not as good as you thought, and you’re uncomfortable and [giving non-verbal cues], does that mean stop, get out, go away?
“Whatever happened to ‘Stop or I’m going to knock you in your nuts?"'
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Former prosecutor Sunny Hostin also voiced her opinion on the matter, asking:
“Is this really sexual assault? I can tell you this isn’t a case I’d bring to trial" noting that the photographer had engaged in consensual sexual acts with the Master of None producer.
Goldberg finished the discussion, saying:
"You make the decision.
“If you’re looking for that, then it’s quite possible that you could get it if you go. But if you’re not looking for that, chances are you might just want to say, ‘It’s been nice seeing you this evening.’
“The line is very, very clear.
“If you are not interested in having a physical relationship, then say goodnight after dinner.”
While Goldberg is entitled to her own opinion on the matter, victim shaming is never nice to see. The fact is that this woman felt pressured into engaging in sexual activity with Ansari. While she wasn't physically forced into doing anything, she felt pressured by his actions.
