The Pretenders rocker says she takes 'full responsibility' for what happened more than 40 years ago when she was raped by a violent gang.
- Aug 31, 2015
AceShowbiz - Chrissie Hynde sparks outrage after saying that rape victims are sometimes to blame for what happened to them. The Pretenders' lead singer says she takes "full responsibility" for the sexual assault she suffered at the hands of an Ohio motorcycle gang when she was 21.
The now-63-year-old rocker tells the Sunday Times magazine, "Technically speaking, however you want to look at it, this was all my doing and I take full responsibility. You can't f*** about with people, especially people who wear 'I Heart Rape' and 'On Your Knees' badges ... those motorcycle gangs, that's what they do."
"If I'm walking around in my underwear and I'm drunk? Who else's fault can it be?" she continues. "If I'm walking around and I'm very modestly dressed and I'm keeping to myself and someone attacks me, then I'd say that's his fault. But if I'm being very lairy and putting it about and being provocative, then you are enticing someone who's already unhinged - don't do that. Come on!"
The musician adds, "You know, if you don't want to entice a rapist, don't wear high heels so you can't run from him. If you're wearing something that says 'Come and f*** me', you'd better be good on your feet ... I don't think I'm saying anything controversial am I?"
Chrissie Hynde receives backlash including from Victim Support group. "Victims of sexual violence should never feel or be made to feel that they were responsible for the appalling crime they suffered - regardless of circumstances or factors which may have made them particularly vulnerable," the director Lucy Hastings says to the Daily Mail.
"They should not blame themselves or be blamed for failing to prevent an attack - often they will have been targeted by predatory offenders who are responsible for their actions. It is critical that nothing deters victims of sexual violence from coming forward to the police or to independent organisations so they can get the help and support they need."
