Germaine Greer sparks widespread backlash over controversial rape comments

TV HOST Charlie Webster has revealed her shocking rape ordeal after outspoken feminist Germaine Greer told a crowd of people that rape was just “bad sex”.

GERMAINE Greer’s controversial comments comparing rape to “bad sex” have sparked international condemnation as many worry her “dangerous views will leave lasting harm to victims”.

The veteran feminist has been slammed after she told a crowd at the Hay Festival in South Wales that rape was not a “spectacularly violent crime”.

Greer, a second wave feminist who rose to prominence in the 70s, said most rapes didn’t “involve any injury whatsoever” and the crime should simply be punishable by 200 hours of community service.

“We are told it’s one of the most violent crimes in the world — bull****.”

Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster led the backlash against the rape remarks revealing she was repeatedly sexually abused as a teen.

Greer’s shocking comments were so controversial that members of the audience left as she spoke.

One took to Twitter and said: “Dreadful ramblings by Germaine Greer.

“I’m usually happy to listen to opinions different to my own but today after around 20 mins I had to walk out.”

Another said that she was acting as a “rape apologist” and that they “don’t want to hear her anymore”.

The 79-year-old called for an overhaul of the criminal justice system saying most rapes were “just lazy, just careless, just insensitive”.

Charlie Webster led the backlash against Germaine Geer’s comments. Picture: Splash News

For the last three years, I have been speaking to victims/survivors
of sexual violence. I am appalled by the remarks made by Germaine Greer. To use her platform to downplay the seriousness of rape and its impact is just beyond irresponsible, harmful and dangerous.

— Prof Aisha K Gill ✒📑 (@DrAishaKGill) May 31, 2018

I'm so sorry 2 everyone who has been harmed by Germaine Greer's disgusting dismissal of the real, lasting harm that sexual assault has on many survivors.

I see how hard u are fighting 4 your lives, & I am so proud of u for insisting that accountability matters because YOU matter

— Ijeoma Oluo (@IjeomaOluo) May 31, 2018

She said her “official position” was that 70 per cent of rape victims suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder in comparison with 20 per cent of military veterans was ridiculous.

“At this point you think, what the hell are you saying? That something that leaves no sign, no injury, nothing, is more damaging to women than seeing your best friend blown up by an IED is to a veteran?” she said at the festival.

Greer, who also recounted how she was “violently raped” when she was 18, said feminists would tear her head off for the comments, but it has not just been feminists blowing up.

Many victims have shared their stories on social media, one of the most prominent being TV host Webster who revealed she was repeatedly sexually abused as a teen.

Germaine Greer has never shied away from controversy.

Furious Webster waded into the row online posting: “I will also happily tell you Germaine Greer about how I was repeatedly sexually abused as a teenager and tell you all about what it did to me.

“[I will] introduce you to some people both female and male survivors who will make you realise how ignorant and damaging your comments are.”

In another tweet she added: “Rape is NOT trivial. Survivors PLEASE know your feelings are REAL & validated. It causes deep psychological trauma.

“The psychological impact far worse than the physical & longer lasting, especially in children & those abused repeatedly.”

I will also happily tell you Germaine Greer about how I was repeatedly sexually abused as a teenager and tell you all about what it did to me - and introduce you to some people both female and male survivors who will make you realise how ignorant and damaging your comments are.

— Charlie Webster (@CharlieCW) May 31, 2018

Put your recyclables in the right bin for the good of the planet. Put Germaine Greer in any available bin for the good of humanity.

— Natalie Ann Holborow (@missholborow) May 31, 2018

“Most rape is just bad sex.” #GermaineGreer have you EVER heard the likes of it 😳 because THAT’S the message you would want women and young girls to hear. Because THAT’S what will encourage them to come forward in these situations. Absolutely disgusting and ignorant.

— Laura Jackson (@LauraBrowno9) May 31, 2018

Many called for news programs to stop giving Greer airtime.

“Germaine Greer a bitter and twisted old woman. Anything to stay irrelevant,” said one.

Greer added that the #MeToo movement generated on the back of the accusations that were first made against the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein last year, would have little impact.

One Twitter user said Greer’s comments were worrying and outright wrong.

“Her views aren’t feminist, they enable potential and actual rapists to justify their actions,” he said.

— Additional reporting The Sun

Originally published as Germaine Greer sparks widespread backlash over controversial rape comments