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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Rachael Revesz

'How to lose an election': Social media responds to Donald Trump's 'locker room talk' five word challenge

Mr Trump insisted at the second presidential debate that his bragging about sexual assault in a leaked video from 2005 was “locker room talk”, which many men do.

People on social media were quick to disagree, and the hashtag “Locker Room Talk In 5 Words” became one of the most talked about issues of the day.

Mr Trump was 59 years old when he made the comments in the video about sexual assault, but he claimed during the debate that he was "changed" during the last year and a half as he traveled around the country and meeting voters.

But many people on twitter did not seem to buy his argument. Their answers came in five words.

"I was only 59 then," said one user.

"Women’s rights are human rights," added another user.

"How to lose an election," wrote another.

Athletes, including NFL players, claimed they have never heard such language in locker rooms.

Mr Trump’s supporters also weighed in on the challenge, refusing to ignore what many perceived as the hypocrisy of Democrats.

"Faux outrage from the left," said one user.

"Actions speak louder than words,” said another, alongside a picture of Teddy Kennedy and Bill Clinton, who were both accused of mistreating women.

"Laughing at child rape victims," said one user, referring to Hillary Clinton’s broad smile during the debate while Mr Trump accused her husband of raping a 12-year-old.

"So much of what Donald has said is not right," Ms Clinton responded.

Mr Trump released a taped apology at midnight on Friday, about six hours after the Washington Post leaked a video from 2005 which showed Mr Trump talking about aggressive sexual advances upon a married woman.

"I've never said I'm a perfect person, nor pretended to be someone that I'm not," he said. 

"I've said and done things I regret, and the words released today on this more-than-a-decade-old video are one of them. Anyone who knows me knows these words don't reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong, and I apologise."

Many Republicans responded with dismay and some, like senator John McCain, even withdrew their endorsement of the nominee.

"Women should be championed and revered," responded house speaker Paul Ryan.

Men and women criticised the "hypocrisy" of their outrage, but also their instinct to label women as appendages to men.

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