Supermodel Karen Elson received major twitter back lash after she tweeted: ‘Daniel Tosh didn’t get the memo that [rape] never was and never will be funny’ She has since deleted the tweet.
Backlash ensued, which is crazy. Why attack Karen? She spoke her mind, she did’t say that Daniel Tosh isn’t funny, just that he never received a memo about what isn’t funny. I’m pretty sure every comic out there didn’t receive that memo because rape is a common topic in stand up acts. Why? Uncomfortable topics make us laugh.
Unfortunately one attention seeking troll on twitter completely missed the point and responded: @KarenElson_ Needs to be raped, she might lighten up after getting some for once.
To which Karen replied: The replies I received mostly from young men were vile and only proved my point that rape isn’t funny.
And then Coco Rocha, Modelinia and others jumped on their smartphones to support their colleague. Good for them!
Perhaps jokes about Prison rape would have lightened the mood?
I have big respect for Karen. Having come up at the same time she did in the industry and worked with her for numerous years, I can say that she has an attitude of fearlessness and authenticity. What you see is what you get. She’s a fierce protector and taught me many tricks throughout our time together that helped me and supported me while I was struggling to maintain a sense of self within an industry that places enormous value on image.
She also welcomed me with open arms when my husband and I transferred to Nashville with our new baby in tow.
Despite her unflawed image and impenetrable image online, she is honest, available and deserving of respect. I only wish more success for a dear friend who stood by me when I was feeling out of place in the world.
Here’s a photo of the two of us shot by Peter Lindbergh for Italian Vogue.
