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Orrin Hatch’s spokesperson defends senator calling Christine Ford ‘attractive’ on Twitter

His comments were blasted on Twitter.

Photo of David Covucci

David Covucci

attractive orrin hatch

Republican senators have been conspicuously silent during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, ceding their time to prosecutor Rachel Mitchell to question Christine Blasey Ford over her claims Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.

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But during a lunch break, some addressed reporters, and in a brief few moments, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) made an apparent gaffe, reportedly saying that Ford is an “attractive witness” who is “pleasing.”

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Almost immediately, people were upset because a male senator commented on the appearance of an alleged sexual assault victim.

“This is so inappropriate and tone-deaf,” user Archiving Girl wrote.

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But fret not, in swooped Hatch’s spokesperson, Matt Whitlock, to assure the reporter it was perfectly normal phrasing from the senator, who uses it to describe both men and women.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045356775153815554

And then to assure other reporters.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045356837745438721

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And others.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045357077231792128

And others.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045357229594103810

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And others.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045357464919715840

And others.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045358089396998145

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And others.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045358255336296448

And others.

https://twitter.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1045360323354611712

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Hatch’s team maintains that the senator’s remarks were not about the witness’ looks. But as noted by another reporter, in a hearing that largely revolves around how the past behavior and accepted norms of men are abominable and need to change, saying, essentially, “that’s how he’s always done things” is a curious defense.

 
The Daily Dot