Bette Midler is apologizing for a tweet that caused a social media backlash when she compared the struggle of women with the history of racism. (Evan Agostini / Invision file)

Bette Midler is apologizing for a tweet that caused a social media backlash when she compared the struggle of women with the history of racism. (Evan Agostini / Invision file)

Bette Midler apologizes after her tweet causes backlash

She wrote that women “are the n-word of the world.”

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, October 5, 2018 3:56pm
  • Life

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Bette Midler is apologizing for a tweet that caused a social media backlash when she compared the struggle of women to the history of racism.

The singer-actress wrote that women “are the n-word of the world” and “They are the most disrespected creatures on earth.” Midler was quoting the title of a 1972 song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

The comment drew sharp criticism from many who said it erased the atrocities committed against black people and the struggle of black women in particular.

Midler tried to defend the tweet before deleting it altogether and apologizing a few hours later, saying to black women: “I am an ally and stand with you; always have. And I apologize.”

Talk to us

More in Life

Bern’s famous clock tower, part of the original wall around the city, looms at the head of Marktgasse street.
Rick Steves’ Europe: Bern, Switzerland’s classy yet fun capital

This easygoing riverside city gives travelers a good reason. to descend from the Swiss Alps.

Teaching children the value of money in a digital age

Today’s increasingly cashless society makes it harder for kids to understand money.

Icelandair changed her flights. Can she get a refund for her tour?

When Icelandair changes Patricia Boyle’s flights from Baltimore to Washington Dulles International Airport, she asks for a refund from her tour operator, Icelandair Holidays. So, why isn’t it responding?

Dave "Bronco" Erickson stands next to the pink-and-purple 1991 Subaru Justy hatchback “Pork Chop Express” car that he is seeking to re-home for $500. The car has been on Whidbey Island for years, mainly as yard art. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
For sale: Whidbey’s fabled ‘Pork Chop Express’ gets great smileage

Asking price is $500 for the 1991 Subaru Justy, a three-cylinder econobox with 65K miles and a transmission as rare as hen’s teeth.

Carolyn Lhamon scoops together a bowl of ice cream for a customer while working her summer job at Kapaw’s Iskreme on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Greenbank, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Plays, parks and perfect sundaes: Whidbey serves up summer island getaways

It’s not tropical, but the island is full of family-friendly activities (and ice cream) for those long summer days

Tracey Silla of Everett leaves her shoes outside as she sets up sleeping bags and pads in her tent at Gold Basin Campground. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Best local campground

You voted, we tallied, here are the results.

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band will perform June 4 at Chateau Ste. Michelle. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Ex-Beatle Alert: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band stop by Chateau Ste. Michelle on Sunday.

The M/V Puyallup docks at the Edmonds waterfront on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 in Edmonds. The ferry along with the passenger loading walkway were struck by lightning last week. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tune in for virtual meeting on Edmonds-Kingston ferry

The series of Washington State Ferries meetings are for updates and public comment. A recording is available online.

Mukilteo Police Chief Cheol Kang smiles while trying a Diamond Knot Tot on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Police chief departing Mukilteo after 20 years, 322 Yelp reviews

When he’s not keeping the city safe, Cheol Kang moonlights as an “elite” dining reviewer. He’s also known for his haircuts.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (Hyundai)
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited

IONIQ 5 is the first vehicle Hyundai has built to be exclusively electric.

Unless you have phenomenal soil, you should always add compost and starter fertilizers when you are planting new plants. (Getty Images)
Protect your gardening investments with compost and fertilizer

For a few extra bucks, you can give your newly purchased plants the tools to succeed for years to come.

The silvers and purplish-reds that are overlaid on this fern’s fronds will brighten any shadowy situation. (Richie Steffen)
Great Plant Pick: Eared Lady Fern

What: Japanese painted fern, or eared lady fern, brings amazing and colorful… Continue reading