The comments blew up Friday night. On Saturday, angry reactions rang across the internet.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani told a story about LPGA star Michelle Wie West on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast Thursday which made headlines.
The story, which recounts a round Giuliani played with the late Rush Limbaugh at a charity fundraiser seven years ago, made Wie West “shudder,” the five-time LPGA winner said in a statement released on Twitter late Friday night.
“I shudder thinking that he was smiling to my face and complimenting me on my game while objectifying me,” Wie West wrote in part.
Giuliani called the story “funny.” The story instead drew the ire of many.
Some of those reactions can be read below.
Sexism has no place in golf or life. We are always in your corner, @MichelleWieWest https://t.co/4uYVvNK59E
— USGA (@USGA) February 20, 2021
Fired up about this.
Bravo, Michelle Wie West for your brave and strong response to this disgusting story. https://t.co/XJVDWx76D4
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) February 20, 2021
I can’t imagine what is going to be swirling @MichelleWieWest’s father’s mind as wakes up this morning. Women’s sports have come a long way, but there is a LONG road ahead to reach equality. https://t.co/LiI9lOoTsM
— David Dusek (@Golfweek_Dusek) February 20, 2021
Amazing to me that this person feels THIS entitled to say something that wasn’t even a joke and -more importantly- showcases that there is still a very real group of powerful men who think of women as simply things to look at & objectify. Shoot 64? Win a major? Nope, panties. https://t.co/KbDJi3e5uB
— Amanda Balionis (@Amanda_Balionis) February 20, 2021
Michelle Wie buries Creeper @RudyGiuliani, 9&8 https://t.co/K1gjcURAtA
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) February 20, 2021
This is absolutely disgusting. I have zero respect for Rudy & all of the others who support his actions. Michelle is not only an amazing athlete but she’s also a great friend, & an awesome mom. You don’t deserve this but I’m so proud of you for speaking out. https://t.co/fdDDv7UlWs
— Ali Kicklighter (@AliKick72) February 20, 2021
Michelle Wie responds to the pervy, gross, & sexist story Giuliani shared on air with Bannon and @EricGreitens https://t.co/s7fAwQfsjI
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 20, 2021
This sort of objectification and violation is all too common and it needs to stop. Proud of you friend 💪🏻 @MichelleWieWest https://t.co/cdRiqvBLmx
— Kira K. Dixon (@KiraDixon) February 20, 2021
Rational and mature and fact-based response to disgusting lies that attempted to objectify a world-class athlete. Proud of my friend. https://t.co/RhjXkKezTj
— Jeehae Lee (@jeehaeda) February 20, 2021
