Bill O’Reilly Attacks Helen Thomas–Again

Sorted under media, sexism on February 12, 2009

Every time I read something about Bill O’Reilly I find myself asking how he can still be on the air. However, that question is answered anytime I read anything having to do with FOX News.

On February 9, 2009, Bill O’Reilly made several sexist and ageist remarks about legendary, 40 year veteran reporter Helen Thomas. O’Reilly compared Thomas to the Wicked Witch of the East after mocking her voice and then proceeded to comment on her appearance and her age. Alan Colmes also appeared in this segment with O’Reilly and sort of but not really tried to defend Thomas, while laughing and having a good time in the process. Guest Bernard Goldberg added his own insult about Thomas when O’Reilly asked if he was “too mean to Helen Thomas” with a disgusting and smug look on his face and of course, since the bulk of O’Reilly’s guests are just like him–Sexist, asshole men who obviously really miss their frat boy days, Goldberg took it upon himself to add that Helen Thomas “needs to find something else to do during press conferences” because during a press conference, she asked for information on the “so-called” terrorists.

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with questioning authority, even when (and especially) when you are questioning the ethics and background of your country. The right-wing will always be there to start screaming that you are “anti-American” or “blasphemous” when you question the United States because to them, America can do no wrong; even though we, as Americans and our elected officials, have done very much wrong throughout the past years which I could go into further detail about, but will simply let you read my opinions about here and here.

Secondly, this is by far not the first time that the right-wing has made especially sexist comments and treat women as nothing but a joke, as was seen by the Women’s Media Center and Media Matters video campaign, Sexism Sells, But We’re Not Buying It and as Media Matters has documented this is not the first time that O’Reilly has gone after Helen Thomas.

It is about time that anchors who make sexist comments are held accountable for them. Join The Women’s Media Center and demand an on-air apology from Bill O’Reilly.

Edited to Update: Bill O’Reilly said he sent flowers to Helen Thomas to apologize for his comments but refused to apologize and got angry when Women’s Media Center called him out on his sexist and ageist behavior. [Thanks Womanist Musings for the update!]



You May Also Enjoy:

  • Martin Milan
    Helen Thomas spewed partisan hatred for eight years. Now she throws marshmellows! got more FLUFF , Helen ??
  • It's M-A-R-S-H-M-A-L-L-O-W-S. You know, an insult has a little more impact when spelled correctly. Just sayin'...
  • I don't enjoy watching Bill's show but Helen Thomas is an old hag who wouldn't know unbiased reporting if it bit her on her sagging ass.
  • All I can say is that Bill is an evil hateful man. I know he cannot be really happy. He is miserable and probably cries himself to sleep at night. Whenever I hear something about one of his tirades i laugh cause he obviously wants attention and to spread his unhappy hate around. I hope that Faux News gets taken off the air soon.
  • D
    "Bill O’Reilly said he sent flowers to Helen Thomas to apologize for his comments"

    That's a lie. Anyone who saw the broadcast knows it. He sent flowers, but it wasn't to "appologize" as you write.
blog comments powered by Disqus