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Whoopi Goldberg clarifies Polanski comments

Posted: Thursday, October 01, 2009 9:16 AM by Ryan Osborn
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This morning, Whoopi Goldberg called during the show to clarify a statement she made about the recent controversy surrounding Roman Polanski.

Goldberg had said, "It was something else but I don't believe it was rape-rape."

Whoopi wanted to clarify the comment and make it clear that she was talking about the legal charge against Polanski at the time.

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Comments

wasn't rape??  so is this not rape because (1) it was rape of a 13 year old; or, (2) a rape performed after Polanski drugged the 13 year old; or, (3) a rape performed after the victim said "no" on countless occassions?  On what basis was this not a "rape rape"?  

Hollywood people are funny.  They think they are smarter than outsiders when the exact opposite is true.

Jeff, NYC (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 2:57 PM)

Read the transcripts from the 1977 Grand Jury testimony. It was clearly rape based on the victim's account of what happened. She said no to him repeatedly, told him she wasn't feeling well (from the alcohol and drugs, no doubt), told him she wanted to go home, and when Polanski learned that she wasn't on birth control, he sodimized her! How could anyone in their right mind say that is not rape? I hope citizens worldwide who are disgusted and appauled by this crime will refuse to support any Hollywood celebrity who chooses to defend this sick, perverted individual (i.e. refuse to watch The View or support its sponsors, don't buy tickets to Martin Scorsese films, etc.). We, the public, have the collective power to turn celebrities into has-beens by not supporting them/their projects. Do that, and you would see just how quickly Hollywood support for Polanski disappears.

Sam P. (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 2:58 PM)

HOW DISGUSTING THESE WHAT WE CALL CELEBRATIES HAVE BECOME. JUST HOPE AND PRAY SHE DOESN'T HAVE A DAUGHTER. I DON'T WATCH 'THE VIEW ' AND NOW I AM SURE I NEVER WILL.

VIRGINIA EASTER (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 2:58 PM)

How does whoopie know that it wasnt "rape-rape" she wasnt there?  Also with the meredith statement that the victim forgives him so we should move on..NO - battered wives forgive their abusiers and some family members forgive murders but thats doesnt mean that they should not be punished by law.  He is a fugitive. He left before he could be given his plea deal or whatever. so now he has to suffer the consequenses.  Like Joy said if he was a plummer we wouldnt be having this conversation. He would be in jail.

Weezy, CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 2:58 PM)

Someone said accurtely, She has no credible intellectual credentials.  

Beh, Knoxville, TN (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:00 PM)

Whoopi only clairified her comments after she got nailed on the wrong side of this rape of a 13 year old girl.  

Whoopi and the rest of Hollywood are sick sick people.

Only these idiots can believe that doping and giving booze, then raping a 13 year old girl is not "rape - rape".

Barry In Las Vegas (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:00 PM)

Rape = the forcible penetration of the penis into the vagina.
I guess that's what she means by rape-rape.  I guess she's saying that the girl didn't say no, or protest in anyway.  I suppose if you are young, alone, drugged, drinking, getting your naked pictures taken by a manipulative predator hell bent on sexing you up which is why you are scared...well, I guess that's not rape-rape according to whoopi.  I guess she's saying that it's just not as tramatic as someone with a ski-mask pulling you into the bushes and giving it to you while holding a knife against your throat. (that must be rape-rape)...anything else in whoopi's eyes must just be a misunderstanding.  What the hell is wrong with all these actors/actresses/movie people think they are all above the law and the rules don't apply to them..makes me sick.  I'm gonna make a list of all these people who are singing to have him release and ban all their krap.

David, Tampa FL (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:00 PM)

This will be justice as in the O.J. case... You gots de monies... yoos get to walks,

Whoopi should read this and then say its not rape-rape

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/polanskicover1.html

Semaj Aklomoh, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:00 PM)

I wonder how many Hollywood types would be defending Polanski if he were a Catholic priest who drugged, raped and sodomized a 13 year old, then fled the country.

Peter, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:01 PM)

Whoopie needs a re-freshner course in American culture!! She thinks she is in the Middle East where kids are forced to recognize this practice as 'acceptable"!!
shame on you my sista!!!

Moh (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:02 PM)

Did any of you bother to read the article above? "Whoopi wanted to clarify the comment and make it clear that she was talking about the legal charge against Polanski at the time." She WASN'T saying she thinks he didn't rape the girl. And because people couldn't understand that the first time, she had to go on air and CLARIFY. And still you don't get it.

Bill Smith, St. Louis, MO (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:03 PM)

I call BS.  Whoopi was a Polanski supporter until the negative backlash found her doorstep.  On the brighter side, perhaps Hollywood really does listen....

Lance, Greeley, CO (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:04 PM)

Caryn Elaine Johnson AKA "Whoopi" appears to believe Hollywood has a moral law that she can represent. Unfortunatley Polanski raped this child in the real world and there is still an arrest warrant for him here. Maybe "Whoopi" has a niece she can get Polanski to babysit if he gets out of this...

Frank Laguan Hills CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:05 PM)

YO WHOOPI -- If you don't see THIS as rape, what would have said about the white men who did anything they wanted to with black women who they owned in slavery times?  I guess you would've thought they were just doin' the darkies a favor.  I can't believe a so-called black women would make a statement like that in 2009!

russelltrunzo@montana.com (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:07 PM)

The man fled, which in and of itself shows guilt on his part.  Justice should have been served years ago but better late than never. As for Whoopi, what do you consider "rape-rape"?  He sodomized the poor girl, had UNCONSENSUAL intercourse with her!!  Get a dictionary!!

Phil, Riverside, CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:07 PM)

I never thought I agree with Sherri Shephard over Whoopi, but this is a perfect example of as they say,"A first time for everything" How ANYONE can defend this criminal,pedophile needs to let him spend some time with their 13 yr old daughter! I'm thoroughly disappointed in Whoopi!! What? She thought the abuse scenes in The Color Purple were consentual?!

Vickie Hall (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:07 PM)

What is up with the celebrities?  They live loose moral lives.  They marry 500 times and divorce and get drunk and live recklessly while we support their lifestyles but not comes out for rape?  WOW

Jerome (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:07 PM)

I may be in the minority here, but I am getting tired of Ms. Goldberg's posturing as the wise and knows-all/tells all on almost any subject . . . she is the reason I stopped watching The View. She "knows" everyone and almost anyone who happens to "be in the news" is a "good friend"; sometimes it's probably true, but I suspect most of the time, it isn't (if it is, I'd hate to have her Christmas card list. The Polanski issue is a prime example of this woman's annoying habit of self-proclaiming herself as the final word on most everything . . . I happened to turn on The View and saw/heard her comments. Sherri Shepherd is to be applauded for standing her ground and not taking guff from Whoopi. I found myself yelling at the screen, "Shut the f--- up, Whoopi!" and "You go girl, Sherri!". Damn, I almost miss Rosie!

Tired of Whoopi in Houston (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:08 PM)

I don't think Whoopi knew the facts. Most people don't know the facts. This was a rape, not just "statuatory" rape. Obviously she thought it was just statuatory, but the girl said "no", and that means it really was "rape-rape".

Pete, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:08 PM)

You got to love this lady, I wonder if she was the mother of the child this happened would she be singing a different tune?

Alain Rao (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:09 PM)

I'm not surprised by Ms Goldberg's comment.  I remember a couple of years ago when Polanski got a standing ovation at the Academy Awards for winning an oscar.  I took it as a show of support for him. No surprise there!!

Deanna, Alton, IL (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:09 PM)

Why is Whoppi tip-toeing around the issue. Roman Polanski sodomized a 13 year old girl after drugging her. He was convicted of the crime and now he wants everyone to feel sorry for him because he's had to live a life outside US jurisdiction. He deserves jail time just to make the super-point that pedophiles can run and expect clemency years later, no matter how much money or fame they may acquire while on the lam!

Ray hanania, Chicago (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:10 PM)

Polanski was found guilty of statutory rape, which is different from rape. Since the woman involved wants to drop the case, I am inclined to agree it should be dropped. In 1999, Polanski was to agree to come back to a US court to be sentenced, he would have gotten probation, however, the judge wanted cameras in the court room and Polanski's lawyers insisted otherwise. Because of that technicality, he never came back. Hardly a cause to spend a lot of tax payer money to bring back over again.

Tony M. (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:11 PM)

When it came to Michael Vick she said it was a cultural thing in the south....bull! Now Whoopie thinks that rape...isn't rape-rape...bet she's feel differant if it was one of her kids. What do liberal, hippie types need...HE PLEAD GUILTY TO RAPE CHARGES BEFORE HE FLED HE COUNRY. Her position sickens your average person. must be grand to live life in her bubble....head.

John the dogdude (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:12 PM)

Sex with any child is rape.  Yes, that is rape-rape, Whoopie.

Anne Cole (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:13 PM)

As many above duly note in one way or another, it is really pathetic that several Hollywood celebrities are defending this man.  

My politics are generally moderate -- fiscally conservative and socially liberal -- but I find it extremely disturbing that people who CORRECTLY condemned the transgressions of a Florida Republican Congressman for inappropriate contact with Congressional pages somehow now find it appropriate it to forgive Polanski's horrid behavior with a 13 y/o girl.  

Integrity is not something you selectively apply.  When we forgive the actions of someone we like while condemning those same actions in someone we dislike, our credibility is destroyed and our moral compass spins out of control.

For me the lack of integrity is one of this country's biggest problems.  Dishonesty among the power elite (on both sides of the political spectrum) has led to more bloodshed and financial misery; and unless we stop looking first at an individual's political peruasion or professional contributions as opposed to looking at the specific event in question, we will cultivate leaders that put their interests above those of shareholders, citizens, teammates, etc.

Inobi Akai (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:14 PM)

He pled guilty to a lesser charge as part of a plea bargin. The judge kept changing the terms and eventually decided to sentence him to the maximum in violation of the plea bargin.

So Roman Polanski fled the country. The victim wants the case completely dropped. Roman Polanski and his lawyers have spent 30+ years trying to get a fair adjucation of the case.

Its very hard to condemn Roman Polanski for fleeing the country when he did it on the advice of his lawyer.

Now condemning him for having he said she said sex with a 13 year old girl after getting her drunk and giving her drugs sure, but fleeing the country to avoid judicial misconduct no.

John Smith, Los Angeles, California (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:15 PM)

No Bill, this group is correct. Did you see the video of a reporter, reporting on a reporter? You can't seem to understand that reporting on reporting isn't first hand information. Her first hand, out of her mouth, clarification was: 'it wasn't rape-rape'.

What she is doing now; is called "back-pedaling"

And who are you calling 'you people'?

San Francisco, Calif. (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:18 PM)

I agree with "mic jor."  Whoopi is pathetic.  Once again she sounds off on a subject without thinking.  Then when she does "clarify", she has no idea what she's talking about since she is not a lawyer.  Between her comments about Michael Vick and dog torture being a "cultural" thing, and now this sad commentary, she is showing her true colors which are muddled at best.  Why is she on TV?  Oh yes, she fits right in with the dumbing down of our society.  

Finn, New York (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:21 PM)

The writer Steve Lopez from the LA times wrote an excellent column a few days ago regarding this subject. He researched very well, and dug up all the old court records.
Whoopi needs to read this asap, her statement was extremely ignorant of the facts of this crime.
Shame on her!
Mr. Polanski should do his time like any other criminal, and not get away with it just because he is rich enough to flee the country, and famous enough to have powerful friends.

jane, los angeles california (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:22 PM)

And for all of the odd people, posting on this story "let's move on"; check this out: this is what is called NEWS. This NEWS provides us a forum to discuss, vent, collaborate with our peers. How about, you say something worth a discussion, or not waste your time, or the people here, whom have real opinions to vent? Hmmm? Your 'nothing constructive comment' is: a waste of air, go back to your 'just existing' exisistance, just existing, and breathing our precious air. Because clearly, you are not for your community. Just sit back, watch others move mountains.

San Francisco, Calif (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:23 PM)

Waste of time coming to this site.  Inexplicable censorship on valid comments, and more valid than some above published.  This is why MSM is dead even when doing a blog you people can't get it right.

Not coming back (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:25 PM)

Whoopi underlined the ugly fact that we who oversexualize our toddlers, glamorize precocious youth, deem 80 year old men marrying 18 year old "women" perfectly acceptable (and smart on the part of the bride/consort/hookup)have little ground upon which to stand to criticize and penalize someone who not only embodies the current mores but has all the money, friends and fame necessary to render his actions not only acceptable but laudable.  

Pusinda Povelace (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:25 PM)

Shame on Whoopi Goldberg.  She should apologize to all women for such an ignorant remark.

Nicolasa Marquez (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:26 PM)

Whoopi Goldberg and the likes are the people that come election time are attempting to guide us to make the right decisions for our country.  Mainstream media and the left and right coast are truly disconnected from what is good and right.  Remember who these people are who excuse this man's behavior.

Lu Kennedy (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:27 PM)

Technically, though, Whoopi is right. He was charged with six charges which he plea bargained down to one charge. That one charge was not "rape". It was "sexual misconduct with a minor".

She did not say it was OK. She just said he wasn't found guilty of rape.

Why are people so dead set on misreading and intentionally misinterpreting each other? Good communication also has to rely on the listener! Almost everyone here is intentionally not hearing what Whoopi is saying.

In reality, the act itself was rape. Technically, he pled guilty to "sexual misconduct with a minor". In my opinion, they are both heinous crimes! But technically, Whoopi is right. He was not found guilty of "rape-rape".

Pete, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:29 PM)

Whoopi is part of the dredge of Hollywood where anything goes. She is apparently applying her own values onto the 13 y/0 girl.  I heard some of the transcripts this morning from the girls' testimony. She said NO, multiple times.  He gave her champagne and quaaludes.  Then went down on her...asked if she was on the pill while inside her...then turned her over and sodomized her because she wasn't.  Polanski pleaded guilty then ran.  Whoopi is dirt...so are her defenders and those who defend Polanski.  There is no excuse for what he did, in spite of what the "elite" thinking leftists in Hollywood say. Whoopi...what you need is something you can't take.  You need to be ignored.  It's gonna happen!

Mit Yenrut, Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:32 PM)

So she said it wasnt "rape-rape", well, I think this woman is: "dumb-dumb-stupid-stupid-shameless-shameless"

Jaime Suarez, Miami, FL (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:34 PM)

where was her Mother?  

tomas, butte, mt (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:52 PM)

Since the two people involved in this incident have settled it, and the person who was the injured party does not wish to pursue it why does our government?
Perhaps to distract us from not pursuing AIG?  Goldman Sachs?

Jayne Doer, Rochester,NY (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:52 PM)

I don't know what's wrong with having sex with a precocious girl. I am sure she was sexy and seduced him. There are thousands of girls like that running around, especially today. She knew what she was doing

Reg Grundy, Los Angeles CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:54 PM)

Seems most are saying "he drugged her and they had sex" implying someway that it may  have ben consensual. Still illegal. But the fact is he drugged her and forced her while she was crying to be left alone and to get away from her. This was FORCIBLE violent rape. he hoped the drugs would make her passive and they did not.

Jeff, Stockton, CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:55 PM)

Needless to say I was disappointed that she would defend a rapist and I think she realized that and tried to clear up her statement because of all the criticism the show received.  After all the View is made up of mostly women who were thirteen themselves.  He should answer the charges brought against him, PERIOD!

Leigh McCollough, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:55 PM)

Oh, Whoopi. You truly disappoint me. No means no. Hollywood standing behind this man just shows how corrupted and self-serving the place has become. Pathetic.

Amanda Johnson, Superior, Colorado (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:01 PM)

Polanski should serve time for this act but as a mother of a 13 year old, I can honestly say that my child would have never been in the situation. The girl and her mother both said the first photo shoot with Polanski made the girl feel uncomfortable so why did the mother even allow a second photo shoot (see Wiki)? I think I also speak for most mothers when I say that most mom's would never allow their 13 year old to be at a photo shoot with a grown man all by themselves. To be frank, I would not even allow my 13 year to be at a photo shoot at all of this nature. If we are going to jail people 30 years later then lets Jail all the guilty parties including the person who was an accessory. At the very least the mom should should be tried for child endangerment.

Paula, Malibu, CA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:04 PM)

with one actor [debra winger] making speehes in polanski's defense, others  [in enterainment]    around the world in a total uproar about polanski's arrest as well, it seems to me  the general public is gatting a  little tired of another " mouth" figuring in with their own take of the situation. from what i've read the d. a. doesn't care about their opinions and now that polanski has been arrested the law will finally resume it's course as it should have over 30 years ago

lorraine hygaard (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:05 PM)

The facts are very simple.  Polanski gave her champagne to intoxicate her, part of a Qaullude to drug her, and then performed oral, anal, and vaginal sex on a 13 year old GIRL, all against her consent.  In his plea agreement, he admitted he knew she was 13.
And then he fled.  A rapist AND a coward.  And Whoopi is still a racist moron.

John Somalia, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:07 PM)

Now I know why I watch very little TV and never go to the movies!  The man pleaded guilty to the charges! If it wasn't rape-rape why did he plea guilty!

Debra Gould, Philadelphia, Pa. (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:10 PM)

Whoopi, wise up (if you can). Polanski escaped our law for decades.  A jury could wisely give him that long in prison.  Unfortunately, the woman he attacked as a child will never escape the memory.  

RJ Donald (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:11 PM)

Hey people   leave it along.. this mess is driving the victim to a less than wonderful place again!  as meredith said (and in the victims own words ) let it go .  The media attention over the last 30 years has made her life a living hell and she just wants it to go away.  Its the public who wont let her or it rest.  Whats more important this womans well being or the us imposing a sentence that is 30 yrs late.  For god sakes how many interviews does she have to give where she states all of this is worse on her than the act its self.  Now it was a horrible thing  but we even wish our dead to rest in peace.  Can she not live in peace.

have some sense columbus ohio (Sent Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:12 PM)



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