Donna Karan said her comments about women “asking for it” based on the way they dress and “present themselves” regarding sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein were taken out of context.
“Last night, I was honored at the Cinemoi Fashion Film Awards in Hollywood and while answering a question on the red carpet I made a statement that unfortunately is not representative of how I feel or what I believe,” the 69-year-old fashion designer explained in a statement Monday night to the Daily Mail. (RELATED: Celebrities React To Accusations Of Harvey Weinstein’s Sexual Harassment)
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“I have spent my life championing women,” she added. “My life has been dedicated to dressing and addressing the needs of women, empowering them and promoting equal rights. My statements were taken out of context and do not represent how I feel about the current situation concerning Harvey Weinstein.”
“I believe that sexual harassment is NOT acceptable and this is an issue that MUST be addressed once and for all regardless of the individual,” she continued. “I am truly sorry to anyone that I offended and everyone that has ever been a victim.”
On Sunday, she praised the film producer and his work when asked on the red carpet about his firing from his company amid the allegations.
“To see it here in our own country is very difficult, but I also think how do we display ourselves? How do we present ourselves as women?” Karan asked. “What are we asking? Are we asking for it by presenting all the sensuality and all the sexuality? You look at everything all over the world today and how women are dressing and what they are asking by just presenting themselves the way they do. What are they asking for? Trouble.”