Celebrity chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain condemned a “shameful” interview by Hillary Clinton on Wednesday in regards to her comments about the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal.
“I have to say, Hillary’s interview with Fareed Zakaria was shameful in its deflection and its disingenuousness,” Bourdain said to begin what became a lengthy Twitter rant. “[K]now what Hillary Clinton is NOT? She’s not stupid. Or unsophisticated about the world. The Weinstein stories had been out there for years.”
And I have to say, Hillary’s interview with Fareed Zakaria was shameful in its deflection and its disingenuousness.
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 11, 2017
know what Hillary Clinton is NOT? She’s not stupid. Or unsophisticated about the world. The Weinstein stories had been out there for years
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 11, 2017
During her interview on CNN, Clinton claimed she had no prior knowledge of the sexual harassment and sexual assault allegations against Weinstein. The controversy began with a New York Times report last week that said Weinstein paid off sexual harassment accusers for decades.
“I certainly didn’t, and I don’t know who did,” she said on the matter. “But I can only speak for myself, and I think speak for many others who knew him primarily through politics.”
Clinton added that the allegations against Weinstein made her feel “sick.” This was a more pointed rebuke than her original brief statement Tuesday in which said she was “shocked and appalled by the revelations.” Prior to that, Clinton had been slammed by critics for her extended silence on the matter.
Weinstein was a longtime donor to Democratic causes, and helped raise millions for Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid. Clinton said Wednesday that it is impossible to give back donations she received from the Hollywood producer, but she would include that money in her annual contribution to charity.
Bourdain tweeted that he by no means thought Clinton was responsible for anything Weinstein did and isn’t trying to take a side in some political debate, but indicated that he and Weinstein’s victims were disappointed by the response from someone who is usually “well prepared” and “well briefed.” Bourdain is dating Asia Argento, who is one of the actresses who have accused Weinstein of rape.
Mindless Hillary hate aside, this was a terrible response to questions about a “friend” who’s been tormenting women for decades.
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 11, 2017
I have met Hillary Clinton. I liked her. I admired much about her. This interview was a real disappointment.
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 11, 2017
And please..this is not about blame or equivalency . My feelings about Mr. Trump are well known. No one should take satisfaction from this
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
Hillary is CLEARLY not responsible for anything Weinstein Thats screamingly obvious. Her response to questions though has been uninspiring
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
I can assure you that the victims of Mr. Weinstein’s three decades of predatory behavior are disappointed too. I’m sitting next to one.
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
Secretary Clinton was one of the most intelligent, well prepared, well briefed politicians ever. So, yes. I’d hoped for a better response
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
Secretary Clinton was one of the most intelligent, well prepared, well briefed politicians ever. So, yes. I’d hoped for a better response
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
And having just gone through thousands of threats from Pepe the frog and Russian trolls, it’s only fair to now get it from the other side .
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
At least when the left is angry with me on twitter, they can spell
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
This Weinstein story is deeply personal to me–and far far far more personal and painful to people I love and people I care about
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 12, 2017
Clinton has not responded to Bourdain’s Twitter rant, but her former campaign spokesman appeared to not take kindly to his tweets.
“Go eat a scorpion or something,” tweeted Brian Fallon in response to Bourdain.
Go eat a scorpion or something.https://t.co/jlKBC2TDmI
— Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) October 12, 2017
