Using graphic language in an opinion piece about “conflict minerals,” potential U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Judd in 2010 accused those who buy Apple products of “financing mass rape.”
“Apple is known for the clean lines of their products, the alluring simplicity of their designs,” Judd wrote in the article. “Dare I….go so far….as to suggest…this signature cleanness is stained by the shit and urine of raped women’s leaking fistulas?”
Judd, the Hollywood actress and liberal activist considering a run as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky, made the comments in an article on her website, which is titled “Costs of Convenience.”
Judd wrote the piece while visiting the Congo in August 2010 in an attempt to draw attention to “conflict minerals” — resources mined in places where conflict or human rights abuses are prevalent.
In recent years, Apple has emphasized publicly and on its website that the company is “committed to using conflict-free minerals.”
But in 2010, Judd wrote that while she enjoys a variety of Apple products – iPhone, iPad, iPod and Mac Book Air – she is concerned about whether the minerals used to produce them are “conflict minerals.”
“My electronics, received as gifts or purchased, profit armed militias and support slavery,” Judd wrote. “I am financing mass rape as I enjoy these ridiculously Global North ultra-efficiencies and conveniences, for large scale rape is the preferred predation mining interests use to humiliate and terrify local populations, in order to control resource areas.”
“The UN notes that virtually every mine in [Democratic Republic of the Congo] is militarized. This means little to no tin, tantalum, and tungsten is mined free of brutal exploitation, extortion, violence, rape, rape, rape.”
Judd’s past comments are resurfacing in light of her consideration of a run for the U.S. Senate. The Daily Caller has noted some of her more outlandish comments, including her comparison of mountaintop removal to the Rwandan genocide. (RELATED: Judd’s biggest problem may be history of bizarre comments)
A publicist for Judd declined to comment on the actress’ past comments Monday, explaining to TheDC that Judd is still undecided about the race.