Newstalk and George Hook release statements following his on-air comments about rape

George Hook made some incendiary remarks regarding rape on his show on Friday.

As we reported here, Hook was discussing the story of an alleged rape of a woman involving an Olympic swimmer, when he said: "When you look deeper into the story, you have to ask certain questions. Why does a girl who just meets a fella in a bar go back to a hotel room? She’s only just barely met him, she has no idea of his health conditions, she has no idea who he is, she has no idea of what dangers he might pose, but modern day social activity means that she goes back with him, then is SURPRISED when someone comes into the room and rapes her. [...] But is there no blame now to the person who puts themselves in danger?" The mentality of victim blaming sent listeners and internet into an angered frenzy, and today both the presenter and the radio station he works for reacted to the listeners' reaction. Newstalk released a full apology on their website on Saturday afternoon, with Managing Editor, Patricia Monahan saying that the comments made were “totally wrong and inappropriate and should never have been made.” Additionally, George Hook has apologised for his comments. He said: “I wish to apologise unreservedly for comments I made about rape on my radio programme on Newstalk yesterday. It was unacceptable to suggest in any way that blame could be attributed to victims of rape. I apologise for the comments which caused hurt and offence, and for this I am truly sorry.” Meanwhile, the reaction online remains as strong as ever:

Today on @newstalk George Hook blamed a victim for being raped.

This is dangerous This shouldn't be tolerated pic.twitter.com/3xZ4pDOO62 — Una Power (@unapower) September 8, 2017

George Hook victim blaming a drunk girl who got raped multiple times. And blaming her parents. She was not any way responsible George. Scum.

— Vonny (@VonnyR7) September 8, 2017

If Newstalk don't fire George Hook it's because they endorse his views. Remember that the next time you tune in.

— Mallow News (@MallowNews) September 9, 2017

Anyone shocked by George Hook's comments hasn't been paying attention to the bile that preceded them. He's been on this path a long time.

— Elaine Burke (@CriticalRedPen) September 8, 2017

George Hook's comments are dangerous, and a perfect encapsulation of rape culture. His comments enable rapists.

— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) September 9, 2017